





< 



































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ANCILLA DeMONTES: 


OR, 

ONE SUMMER. 



;A 


WITH KEY. 


BY TTIK CRIGKBT 


FtU Iti louD/ / 


PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR, 
1885. 








Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1885, 
By clarence F. GRAY, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



PEEFACE. 


Tlie scene, in fact tlie basis of this story, is laid in one 
of our inland provincial towns on the Pacific coast. The 
characters we have given under assumed names, in order 
that the actual persons who figure most prominently and 
take the more active parts may be shielded from the public 
gaze. Criticism may be said for the most part to be 
unfair, unjust and undeserving, to the writer himself, as 
well as the real characters who figure in almost all works 
of fact and fiction. We cannot possibly expect ourselves 
to be passed unnoticed, even from those whom we know 
would tear this book to pieces in order to ascertain if they 
could, the real names of the actors, the author, wTiter, 
etc. Those who presume to possess keen power of obser- 
vation may, for our part, try ; but we say here that the 
search would be a fruitless one, and doubtless prove utterly 
devoid of all gratification in the attempt to do so. When 
the writer speaks of an inland town, it is not to be sup- 
posed that it means a large manufacturing district, or even 
a town of pretentious nature. No ; it implies and is, in 
fact, a small town unknown to the outer world, unless, 
perhaps, through the channel of trade and commerce ; 
and more after the wild, unruly districts usually found in 
the western wilds and the mining camps of the Pacific 
coast. Cosmopolitan in nature, limited in the social scale. 


IV 


PREFACE. 


peculiarly fast because of the mixed natives usually found 
in such places, out of the reach of civilization, where, in- 
years gone by were enacted scenes of the most degrading 
character. Despotism and drunkenness are the ruling evils. 
Necessary evils exist almost everywhere, because of their 
necessity; but it does not become necessary for young men 
to learn to gamble, drink, nor smoke. Then why do so ? 
is a usual question anxiously asked by those parents who 
have indulged themselves in all excesses, and who have 
given them the luxuries of a beautiful and wealthy home. 
After a careful study of characters, one becomes more and 
more familiar with the different classes of society, such 
as men — or w^e should say gentlemen — who hold high and 
elevating positions, whether it be diplomatic or otherwise 
in the service of the government, or in railway offices, 
insurance companies, including chief engineers and civil 
engineers. In fact, bring the question before any 
body of a just and conscientious character. What is the 
relation of the upper class to the lower ? What is respon- 
sibility? What is power? What is right, and what is 
wrong? These questions are earnestly brought before 
the readers of this volume, appealing to their reason, 
their intellect. Take, for instance, a man of the world 
who is very influential, holding a high position in office 
and society. Now what is his duty to another, perhaps 
less fortunate than himself ? Is it to show him a pattern 
of drunkenness rather than the more elevating lesson of 
sobriety? No; it is not. Yet how alarmingly prevalent 
this is. Nay, almost universally speaking, how fearfully 
in many, if not all public works. Truth, unvarnished 
truth, what a rare combination it is, and how very seldom 
we are brought in contact with it. The waiter of this 
narrative is working as close to truth itself as can pos- 
sibly be expected. The characters herein presented are 
not painted up nor powdered, nor rouged, as we find is 


PBEFAGE. 


customary with a certain class of ladies who wish to be 
attractive in the eyes of some male admirer. Not so. 
The reader will remember, in perusing the open preface, 
that mention was then made of a declaration verifying to 
the foundation of this work on facts, which are strictly 
true. However, resort is made to our imagination for 
^something to help us out in our endeavors to furnish and 
draw from the real facts an imaginary hallucination which 
is written, not to deceive, but rather to enlighten those 
who comprise the half of which the world knows so little 
of its counterpart — the other half. An old maxim, but 
nevertheless a true one, says: ^^The one-half of the 
world knows not how the other half lives,” or in what 
manner existence is maintained. Deception in any form 
is wrong. It severs friendship, destroys self-respect, 
lowers one in the eyes of a friend, sister or brother. Yet 
how often we are deceived in a friend who vows eternal 
friendship to one’s face, and perhaps when the back is 
turned, grind him to pieces. 

This little work will be put before the public in the 
hope that the reader will glean some good therefrom, and 
that it may harm no one is the earnest wish of, 

Eespectfully yours. 


The Authok. 


THK KKY 


— TO — 


ANCILLA DeMONTES; or, ONE SUMMER. 


Ancilla DeMontes (meaning Maid Servant of the Mountain) , the Heroine of the 
story and instigator of the plot, who is a fascinating waitress at the Grand Pacific. 

Squire Tattler, who holds petty office under Government, and is also a leather 
merchant, 

Mr. Tangletongue, a railway time-keeper and rock measurer. 

Mr. Paramour, a merchant of the town. 

[The above three were connected with the plot, being the favorites of the insti- 
gator, also originators of the combination, limited, over which Ancilla DeMontes 
presided.] 

Mrs. Busybody, a distinguished lady in society. 

Lady Primrose, (or. The Blonde), a Sacramento beauty, on a tour from the 
States, sight-seeing; — said to be a star actress. 

Douglas, Marquis of Kent, a Nobleman of leisure on a tour through British 
Columbia, who is a fervent admirer of Lady Primrose while at the Grand Pacific. 

Mrs. Deforest, a perfect lady, and guest of the Grand Pacific. 

Miss Digby, cousin of Mrs. DeForest, on a visit from Canada. 

Sir Edwin Rigby, holding a high and honorable position from the Syndicate ► 
also the most honored guest of the Grand Pacific, who refused to connect himself 
with the plot. 

Wm. Darrell, a harness maker, in good standing in society; formerly night 
clerk at the Grand Pacific. 

Dick Darrell, brother of Wm. Darrell, a gentleman, a scholar, an actor, and an 
officer. 

Mr. Frenchy, an architect in high standing, who is in the confidence of his- 
employers. 

Mr. AVelbourne, Clerk in a large mercantile house. 

Lady Carew, a general favorite ai-d a fine dancer. 

Mr. Carew, an up-couutry merchant; also a marine engineer. 

Pauline Clifford, an attach^ of the Grand Pacific. 

Mr. Edwards, a prominent politician from Washington. 

Mr. Durand, an electrician from the East. 

Mr. Hansome, purser steamer Northern Light. 

Prof. Spitz Dogme, a noted violinist and backbiter. 

Mr. Scribe, clerk in railway office, who drew up the petition in the interest of 
the plotters. 

Mr Rodesta, a noted baritone and a gentleman of highly cultivated talents. 

Mr. McSwain, a celebrated sporting man. 

Mr. Franklin, a noted orator. 

Mr. Whalebone, an English gentleman of means on a visit to British Columbia. 

Mr. Clifton, a celebrated billiardist. 

Mr. “ C,” a carpenter and builder. 

Mr. Raymond, an acquaintance of Mrs. DeForest, stopping at the Grand Pacific. 

Mr. Transit, civil engineer; one of signers of the petition. 

Miss Clifton, (sister of billiardist), a landscape painter. 

Mr. Leggins, a gentleman of leisure, who is sweet on Lady Primrose. 

Mr. Grubshanks, a railway boarding house inspector and commissary, who is. 
also one of the petition signers. 


THE KEY. 


Mr. Kenson, a would-be handsome young man, lady-killer, masher, etc., with 
plenty of cash . 

Luke Southern, the persecuted manager of the Grand Pacific Hotel. 

Horace Templton, a well-to-do literary man. 

Capt. Wm. Southern, Master of the steamer Tredegar in 1876. 

Capt. Rudder, (father of Miss Rudder,) Master of the schooner Lawrence. 

Mr. St. Barbe, a contractor on public works. 

Mr. Bulstbode, a South Sea Islands explorer. 

Capt. Scott, manager Steam Navigation Co., and Master steamer Clansman. 
Capt. Quimby, Pioneer Captain steamer Northern Light. 

Miss Quimby, sister of Captain Quimby, and aunt of Luke Southern. 

Miss Sylvester, supposed intended of Mr. E. Quimby; 



Miss Greenwood, 
Miss Reeves, . 


Mrs. Carle van, ) 

E. Quimby, Esq., Brother of Capt. and Miss Quimby, and owner of the Grand 
Pacific and other Hotels in B. C. 

Mr. K-Idd, a gentleman friend of the Quimbys . 

Miss De Renville, a Poetess, guest of the Grand Pacific. 

Mr. Travers, correspondent of the Louisville Courier- Journal , visiting British 
Columbia for items. 

Mr. Sails, clerk of the Grand Pacific, and connected with the secret conspir- 
ators. 

Miss Rudder, a lady who caused gceat jealousy between Mr. Sails and Prof. 
Spitz Dogme, while at the Grand Pacific. 

Mr. Davenport, a ship carpenter, accompanying Mr. Sails from the East. 

Mr. J. S. Mallory, Lieut. U. S. Army, accompanying General Sherman on a tour 
through British Columbia. 

Mr. Rudolph, a commercial traveler representing a large house in Montreal. 

Mr. Castle, conductor C. P. railway in British Columbia. 


iTk' 


A- 






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X 



ANCILLA De MONTES, 

Or, one summer. 


CHAPTER I. 

’Twas the month of August, in the year 18 — , a 
warm, rich eveoing succeeded the broiling heat of the 
day. The swift and placid waters of the river rushbig on, 
over rocks and boulders, with its endless, splash and }*oar, 
rushing onward to the ocean, mingling its muddy waters 
now and then with the clea^ sp^Sugs of a mountain stream, 
the serpentine tcack of water was lost to vieAV a short 
distance from the busy little town of ” which nestled 
close to the base of the towering mountains upon a bench 
of level, undulating land. Very cosdy it looked; indeed, 
quite charmmg. Along the narrow street which lined the 
town, fronting the river, were many pedestrians, the 
beauty and aristocracy of the town, among whom were 
many of the guests of the hotels and summer resorts, who 
were strolling leisurely along oi conversing in groups 
together. Merry peals of laughter anon wafted along 
upon the gentle breeze which came from the cool waters 
of the river. Little children, bright and merry, were 


10 


ANCILLA BE MONTES, 


skipping along, accompanied by their parents, small 
bands of mechanics were grouped together, discussing 
technical points on mechanism. Now and then a native 
Indian, accompanied by his squaw and small papooses, 
would pass with baskets of berries, and others with fine 
plump salmon, offering them for sale. Many guests were 
assembled on the balcony of the Grand Pacific Hotel, 
enjoying the panoramic view beneath them, which seemed 
to amuse them greatly. Looking east, and looming up 
before you, fifteen miles in the distance stands Silver 
Peak, its summit covered with perpetual snow, and on 
this glorious evening of which the Author speaks, it was 
lovely to behold. The sun Avas sinking sloAvly to rest, 
and its last setting rays in all their beauty and grandeur? 
reflected in golden and purple colors upon its snow-capped 
bosom, adding a picture of nature, grand and beautiful, 
to the wild picturesque and surrounding scenery. 


CHAPTEE II. 

''Delightful eA^ening this. Lady Primrose,” Mrs. Busy- 
body exclaimed. 

" Charming, ” Lady P. returned. 

" Has Mr. Scribe returned with the Marquis ? ” pres- 
ently asked Lady Primrose. 

"I haA^e not seen him.” 

"Nor Mr. Grubshanks ? ” 

"No.” 


OB, ONE SUMMER. 


11 


‘‘ The Marquis extended an invitation to me to accom- 
pany him for a walk this evening,” said Lady Primrose^ 
‘‘ and I trust he is not going to disappoint me.” 

think he will not disappoint any one,” said Mrs. 
Busybody. ‘‘He has such a distinguished air about him. 
Is he really a Marquis? So nice, too, and jolly.” 

“Have you seen Luke Southern since dinner? ” asked 
Lady Primrose of Mrs. Busybody. 

“Oh ! yes; I met him on the staircase, and he was in 
such a hurry. He expects the steamer every moment, 
and a friend of his, who is aboard and will remain a few 
days. ” 

A shrill piercing whistle re-echoed, time and again, in 
the canons and the mountains in the near distance. A 
large swift steamer w^as approaching the wharf. 

Clang ! Clang ! The great paddle wheel of the steamer 
was reversed and she glided gracefully up to the wharf. 
The gang-plank was shoved out, the passengers landed 
and were making for the hotel. 

Luke Southern, the polite and affable manager of the • 
“Grand ” was extending his courtesies to the newly-arrived 
guests, when a young man, hurrying along, ran up against 
official Southern. “If ever I cease to love! Why, it’s 
Horace 1 ” 

“Southern, old fellow; how are you? Gad, it does a 
fellow’s eyes good to see you. How are the dames and 
ladies, and what’s new in your thriving little Y ? Drink, 
do you? Well let’s have something, Luke !” 

“An iced sherry, thank you.” What will you drink? 
Sherry cobblers are my drink, now, Templeton.” 

“Married yet. Southern? Have you your heart intact 
yet? 

“ Not married yet, Horace, nor likely to be. Are you, 
Horace.” 


12 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


^^No; decidedly not; why, it’s as much as I can do to 
support my extravagant habits.” 

^^By the way, Templeton, come up to the parlor, I want 
to present you to Lady Primrose and others, whom you 
would like to know.” 

A pleasant time was spent that night at the Grand 
Pacific. The following morning Dick Darrell was up 
bright and early; so was Mr. Prenchy and Mr. Scribe; 
they breakfasted late. 

“Good morning. Marquis,” said Lady Primrose, ap- 
proaching that individual. 

“Good morning,” he replied. Dont you know. Lady 
Primrose, I am really. Ah ! too bad, isn’t it? I’ll pon 
my honah. Lady Primrose, and I ought to go angling 
this afternoon, don’t you know? Too bad isn’t it? Ah, 
really ! ” 

“Don’t feel too bad about it,” said Prenchy, laughing 
lightly. 

“No; that will never do,” said the Scribe. “Ha ! ha ! 
ha ! Ladies going too ? ” 

“Ah, now, damn it all gentleman,” said the Marquis 
sarcastically, turning around. 

“What for? ’’asked Mr. Leggins, just sitting dowm to 
his breakfast. 

“ You don’t know anything about this affair at all, gents. 
The Marquis, here, is going to try a fly on the mountain 
streams, and is to be accompanied by a couple of ladies.” 

“ The deuce he is ! ” 

“ Lady Primrose, I hope you had pleasant dreams last 
night, ” said the Marquis to the lady who had just been 
seated. 

“Now, Marquis, don’t ask me any foolish questions. 
Why, you know I always have pleasant and happy 
dreams.” 


OB, ONE SUMMER, 


15 


The waiter now approached the lady and respectfully 
asked her orders 

‘‘An omelette and a cup of cotfee, please. Ah, yes; a 
slice of toast, too.” 

“Now, Marquis,” quizzically asked Lady Primrose, 
“you know, you never answered me when I asked about 
your dreams last night. ” 

‘ ‘ My d t*eams ? ’ ’ 

“Yes; yours.” 

“Now, my dear Lady Primrose, I tell you, I dream of 
you, and you alone.” 

“ The deuce you do ! ” 

“ Who, what’s that ? ” eagerly asked Lady Primrose of 
the now excited nobleman. 

“It’s only me,” said Luke Southern, hovering in view. 
“I came to ask you, if you had completed arrangements 
for the fishing excursion.’ ’ 

“Yes; oh yes;” but about the baits and luncheon^ 
Southern? ” 

“I’ll see to that, and will give orders to the servants 
immediately. ” 

A short time afterward the trio happily disappeared 
in a turn on the beautifully shaded road leading to the 
fishing stream. 

“Well, Horace!” exclaimed Luke, who had just met 
Templeton descending the stairs to the breakfast room, 
“ They’re off at last, Horace.” 

“ Yes; well, let’s wish them all manner of success.” 


14 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


CHAPTEE III. 

A week slipped by quietly, the extreme heat put a 
damper on all outside sport and it was with much gratifi- 
cation that the guests beheld the approaching rain, which 
the dark, heavily charged clouds overhead contained and 
which, no doubt, would last for several days and purify 
the air and cool the parched ground. Several ladies and 
gentlemen were quietly conversing on the balcony of the 
hotel, over the success of the fishing party of the previous 
w^eek. Sad havoc had been made among the beautiful 
speckled trout, and many of the ladies figured most 
prominently among the anglers. 

think it decideely wrong to kill such innocent little 
fishes by catching them on those ugly, sharp-pointed 
hooks,” said Lady Primrose. 

Eeally, Lady Primrose, cawn’t see it, don’t you know,” 
re]3lied the Marquis, “when in her Majesty’s service in 
Australia, I used to catch bag after bag full of trout, 
thinking it nothing to twist their heads off after catching 
them in my hands, they were so plentiful then, you know.” 
“You monster, you are almost as bad as a murderer.” 
“Eeally, I must conclude to enter your name on the 
same indictment, my dear. ” 

“Now, Marquis, don’t I pray, be so familiar. I’m not 
your dear ; why do you say so V’ ’ 

“ A thousand^pardons, madam, I assure you ; although 
you must allow I am devotedly attached to you; and pray 
let us go inside, it is now beginning to rain. Will you 
accept my arm?” said the Marquis, as he had just caught 
up to her at the door. 

“ Thank you, I can walk alone to the parlor. ” 

“May I accompany you?” 

“If you like.” 


OB, ONE SUMMER. 


15 


In the parlor were seated a number of ladies and gen- 
tlemen in groups, chatting; some singing, others indulging 
in a quiet game of cards, and all were evidently enjoying 
themselves. 

‘^Fie ! Fie on you. Marquis,” exclaimed Mrs. Busy- 
body, who happened to be one of the party, although 
unaccompanied by her husband. 

“Mrs. Busybody tells me. Lady Primrose is a better 
angler than you are, Frenchy. ” 

“Two to one on Lady Primrose,” said Squire Tattler, 
looking through his spectacles toward his friend, Mr. 
Tangletongue, seated near by. 

“Well, 1 don’t know,” said Tangletongue to Tattler ; 
“perhaps it would be as well to leave the contest for 
another day. You know one may be more fortunate than 
another to-day, yet on another occasion be less fortunate. ” 

“ That is so,” said Grubshanks, listening earnestly. 

“Hush! hush! everybody; the Blonde is going to 
sing.’ ’ 

“ What is it to be?” “ Balke’s Then You’ll Ptemember 
Me.” 

A low contralto voice began to sing : 

“ When other lips and other hearts 
Their tales of love shall tell, 

In language whose access Imparts 
The power they feel so well; 

There may, perhaps, in such a scene. 

Some recollections be 

Of days that have as happy been, 

And you’ll remember me. 

And you’ll remember me.” 

“Capital,” exclaimed spme; “first-rate,” said others. 

“ Encore ! Encore ! AVe ’ll have another. You have an 
excellent voice. Lady Primrose,” Squire Tattler ventured 
to say. 

“An artistic style, truly,” said the Marquis; “please 
favor us with another one? ” 


16 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


Not to-niglit, Marquis; some other time, perhaps.” 

‘‘ No; not to-night, ” and this time she spoke firmly and 
decidedly. 

‘‘My goodness, gracious !” said Grubshanks; “twelve 
o’clock. ” 

“Is it really so late ? ” enquired many. 

“Bed time for me, good night! Good night all t 
Good night ! rang out many voices. 

02ie by one they gradually dropped off, leaving only 
a few gentleman who agreed to have a game of billiards 
before retiring for the night. 

The dinner was over, the ladies had retired and the 
wine was placed upon the table; whereupon the gentlemen 
ordered the bottles uncoiked and rang for the coffee. 

“ So, so ! Mr. Scribe, they say Frenchy is the solid 
man?” 

“Me no soleed; no, no; Monsieur LeJilarqueit io jour 
hien arec les dames. The Marquis ahead, too muchee 
for me. ” 

Sir Edwin was in close conversation with Sqaire Tattler 
on the gold mining question. 

“The enactment of the gold laws, Sir Edwin, are totally 
UQSuited to this country.” 

“And why, pray? I was always under the impres- 
sion a system of rule was enforced in perfect harmony 
with the wishes of the miners.” 

“Not so, ” replied the squire. 

“ Mr. Grubshanks’ complements to the gentlemen; will 
they partake of a glass of wine with him?” “Certainly,” 
replied Sir Edwin. 

“ Decidedly so,” said the Squire. 

“The toast was drank amid enthusiasm. It was to the 
reigning beauty of the Grand Hotel. 


OR, ONE SU3IMER, 


17 


CHAPTER IV. 

Some little excitement among the citizens of the town 
was occasioned by the announcement that a very influ- 
ential member of the Government was to arrive in the 
course of a few days. The townsmen were to receive him 
with due ceremony befltting his rank in the social scale. 
Arches were to be constructed; and many of the leaders 
were busily engaged making flags to be used on that gala 
day. 

‘‘Are you one of the deputation to- receive his Lord- 
ship V” enquired Squire Tattler of Mr. Wellbourne, a 
pompous old gentleman who was scudding along the street 
at a lively gait, ‘‘now are you?” 

“Yes; I happen to be one of the committee.” 

“Good morning, Sir Edwin.” 

“Good morning, Scribe; anything fresh this morning 
in the line of news? ” 

“Nothing particular.” 

‘ ‘By the way, Scribe, have you heard anything relative 
to an arch which is to be constructed in honor of the 
approaching visit of Lord L ? ” 

“Yes, Sir Edwin; something to the effect that an arch 
was to be erected, although some difficulty arose in pro- 
curing the necessary bunting.” 

“ Ah ! good morning, Mr. 0.” 

“ By the way. Sir Edv/in, what do you say to a practi- 
cal joke at the expense ? — :” 

“ Of whom ?’ ’ enquired Sir Edwin. 

“On Frenchy,” said C. 

“ Capital thing,” said scribe, what is it ?” 

“Simply this: — When the flags are placed in position 
on the arch, and all is in readiness, some one will, by a 
line attached to the flag of France, lower it down to half 
mast, to the utter consternation of the young Frenchman.” 


18 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


‘'Capital! Capital!” 

“ ’Twill make the young Frenchman’s heart beat with 
the wild passion of hatred toward the English. ” 

“But” asked Sir Edwin, “who will do this deed?” 
who will lower the flag?” 

“I will do it,” said C. laughing ha! ha! ha! I will 
paralyze the Frenchman.” 

“Do it, and I will see you through,” exclaimed both 
Sir Edwin and Scribe, contidentially. 

Several days had passed and the eventful one had 
arrived for the reception of Lord L. The arches were 
tastefully decorated with evergreens and gay ribbons; 
the flags of all nations floated gaily with the breeze, 
and every thing bade w^elcome to the illustrious gviest. 
The steamer, with the viceregal party, was at the wharf, 
cheer after cheer w^ent up to Eideau’s Chief. He was 
conducted along by the most prominent men of the place, 
followed by a large congregation of citizens, among whom 
was Frenchy. They approached the arch, when, to the 
astonishment of several, Frenchy gave one bound forward 
with a wild skriek. The noble flag of France was at 
half mast. 

“ One man insultee Frenchman flag, insultee me! ” 

“ Keep quiet, you young idiot,” one man said to him. 
“Keep quiet, there is no harm done.” 

“ Sacre vivi La France toajouns. I will kill him mit 
one pistol. He kill me, alright. I kill him, very good. 
I fight him one duel, yah, to-day; now me am wild! ” 

The procession had passed on, leaving behind an 
excited, though somewhat foolish young Frenchman 
standing under the arch. A few days after this event a 
trip was proposed to the extensive gold mining operations 
on the south bank of the river F. 

“How many are going?” enquired Southern of Bill 
Darrell, the night clerk of the hotel. 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


19 


A dozen, more or less. I guess tlie number will be 
in the minority. What conveyance have you engaged ? ” 
Canoes. ” 

How many ? ” 

‘‘ One large one, manned by four stalwart Indians, will 
be sufficient to propel the light frail skiff through the 
seething waters and the dangerous riffies.” 

Who’s the captain?” a chorus of female voices 
enquired. Captain William Darrell!” 

After all preliminary arrangements were made, and 
every one, six in all, were safely stowed away in the 
spacious canoe, they were soon sent in to the swift current, 
heading for the opposite shore. 

Too bad, isn’t it, that Luke is not with us. ” 

‘‘He could not possibly get away,” said Bill, “on 
account of an extra rush of transient people who have 
just arrived. He has his hands full.” 

“ Let us bring him a bouquet of flowers,” Miss Digby 
said to her companions, “to console him.” 

“Oh! do! yes; we’ll get him a nice one,” put forth 
Mrs. De Forest. 

Several hours were whiled away examining the apparatus 
used in washing the earth for the precious metal, the 
rockers, the large flumes carrying water to the work, and 
seeing many other items of interest. Many thanks were 
tendered to the obliging foreman in charge, who, in return, 
was delighted in having such a pleasant party of people 
taking such an active interest in qnestioning him. 

“ Lovely day, isn’t it ? ” Miss D. offered to remark. 

“ Charming,” responded Lady Primrose, who looked 
beautiful in her white morning wrapper. “1 certainly 
enjoy the pure air and the great profusion of flowers; 
yes, I do.” 

“Oh, my! you have a n w locket; strange design, 
isn’t?” 


20 


ANCILLA BE MONTES^ 


(( Yery. ” 

‘ ^ Where did yon get it ? a present from whom ? ” ‘ ‘Oh t 
that’s a secret,” said Lady Primrose, “ ’tis not policy to 
divulge secrets.” 

“I know; I’ll guess; will you tell me if I am right? 

“Oh, yes; proceed.” 

“ Grubshanks? ” 

“No.” 

“ Scribe? ” 

“No.” 

“ Squire Tattler ? ” 

“No.” 

“ Luke Southern ? ” 

“No.” 

“Templeton?” 

“No.” 

“Well, it is the Marquis,” “n-o; yes; its from him; 
but, w^ell, for goodnees sake, don’t say I told you so.” 

“Never! never! 

“Let us pair off for a stroll over this cliff,” said Lady 
Primrose, pointing with her elegant bejewelled hand to a 
high overhanging cliff reaching out in the river.” 

“Oh! no, that’s too dangerous.” 

“Who’s afraid to go,” she said, looking at her com- 
panion. 

“ I’m not, for one.” 

“ Neither am I,” said another. 

“I’m going to go, too, ” said a third; “and I,” “and I. ” 

“Who’s to take the lead ? I, that is, myself am going 
to lead you along, ” said Templeton, pushing past the line 
and placing himself at the head of the band. I know the 
path well, follow me and you’ll wear diamonds, all of 
you.’ 

“Oh, oh, oh! I’m going to follow, too, you may be 
be sure, ” exclaimed a dozen voices at once. 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


21 


^ Where ’s Eaymond ? ” 

‘‘Oh, he is behind with Mrs. DeF.; they’re coming. 
■Oome, let ns start.” 

A start was made, and in a few minutes a halt for rest 
was called. Here they scattered about, some one way, 
^some another, in search of the beautiful fern and wild 
-flowers existing in great abundance on the mountain side. 

“ Bring me a drink of water please!” said Lady Prim- 
rose to Captain Darrall. 

“In what, pray ? My hat ? ” 

“Nonsense; in one of those large, broad leaves; 
double it up and form it in the shape of a cove. Don’t 
you know anything, you ungraceful wretch ? ’ ’ hastily ex- 
claimed the lady, as the Captain was unable to bring the 
leaf together without tearing it to pieces. 

“ Let me show you. Now, do you see ? ” said the lady, 
as she dexterously formed the much needed rustic cup. 
^‘Hold it thus.” 

•“ Oh, yes ; I’ll be careful.” 

“‘ How am I to drink it without wetting the whole of my 
face ?” said the lady to the Captain, who had just returned 
with a nice and cool drink from the spring, right out of 
the mountain side. 

I’ll hold it for you, ” said the gallant Captain. 

Well, do be careful.” 

“Now, all ready — drink, thou fair daughter of Venus ; 
drink. ” 

Her ruby lips touched the sparkling water, when a 
Bhriek, accompanied by the owner of the same, grasped 
the outstretched arm of the captain. 

“ Oh, oh, oh — ^you unfeeling wretch ; you horrible fel- 
low, to duck me so,” as she wiped with her delicate lace 
handkerchief the great stream of water from off her face 
and neck. 

“Beg your pardon, madame,” said the Captain, very 
humbly. 


22 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


‘‘Beg pardon, you monster; I believe you did it on 
purpose. ” 

“ On purpose !” 

“Yes, on purpose — at your old tricks again. Why, 
you are just as bad as Luke Southern, who teases me so 
unmercifully.” 

“ I am going home ; it’s time to go.” 

“ AVhat time is it getting to be ?” 

‘ ‘ A quarter to six. ” 

“ My goodness ! — it’s dinner time. Let’s get off.’^ 

“Hurrah !” 

They were in gay spirits. At dinner they related to the 
assembled guests, who, as it happened, were unable to 
go, all the adventures of the day. 

“ Well, Marquis, you missed all the fun.” 

“Ah, don’t you know, attacked again with indisposi- 
tion. You know my old complaint ?” 

“I^oryou, Luke,” said Mrs. DeForrest, as Southern 
sat down to the table, handing him an elegant boquet of 
wild flowers. 

“Many thanks for your thoughtfulness, my dear Mrs. 
DeForrest. I hope you enjoyed yourself this afternoon^ 
as the others did, judging from the gaity that’s prevail- 
ing.” 

“ Oh, yes; immensely! I was disappointed al not find- 
ing you there.” 

“Will you have another ice?” asked Luke, handing 
round the dish. 

“Not anything more.” 

“ Will you be up at the parlor ? — they’re going to have 
a great concert. Come, for the blonde expects you to 
sing.’ ’ So they went. 


OR, ONE SU31MEB. 


23 


CHAPTEE V. 

A large number of people were seated in the parlor, as 
Mrs. DeEorrest and Lady Primrose entered. 

Here they are. Now, you two must sing ; favor us 
with one of your favorite operas.” 

Oh, yes,” returned Mrs. DeEorrest, if Mr. Southern 
will accompany me.” 

“ Certainly, Madam, if you like ; only I have a slight 
irritation of the throat, which will annoy me in my rend- 
ering anything like well.” 

'‘By no means let anything of the sort prevent you 
from accompanying the lady, ” said Templeton, who was 
close by. " In what voice will you follow V” 

" Oh, baritone, or basso prof undo, as will suit best.” 

Templeton, wdio is always in search of employment 
to please the ladies, found the music books, and Mr. 
Southern selected therefrom a song that, if well rendered, 
Avould please all. 

" What is it going to be V” asked Lady Primrose, rising 
at once and going over to the piano, where one of the 
ladies was seated, all in readiness. 

"Can you play the piece?” asked Temj)leton of the 
lady. 

"No, I cannot ; it’s beyond my abilities. But, then, 
Mrs. Busybody could, if she were asked. I’ll willingly 
resign the seat to her.” 

" Very well. I’ll do it ; only you must n’t laugh if I break 
down,” said Mrs. Busybody. 

"I’ll punch that fellow’s head if he should insult you, 
you know, ” said the Marquis, moving nearer, and now 
interested in the confab. 

" The deuce you will,” returned Mr. Scribe, laughing, 
and turning to the spectacled squire, who was fumbling 


24 


ANCILLA BE MONTES, 


with his thumbs, and squinting. His Lordship takes a 
mighty great interest in that lady. ” 

Well, let him ; only let the Blonde catch him making 
love to any one besides herself. She will pull his auburn 
locks for him.” 

Yes, and his la, da, da, and musentouchit, too.” 

Templeton, who had seated himself near the piano, was 
in the act of rising to fetch the chandelier a little closer 
to the music, caught the unhappy Duke’s son in the stomach 
with the leg of a chair, doubling up that individual like 
a bow — but without an arrow, until Luke Southern, in 
his rich baritone voice sang the opening lines of 

“ I Shot an Arrow in the Air.” 

^^Yes; and I wish to heaven that chair was an arrow, 
only a deuced long distance away from me.” 

Damn the fellow, anyway,'' said the Marquis, darting 
an angry glance towards Templeton, who was ready to 
explode with laughter, at the mishap. My Lord, I beg 
you a thousand pardons.” 

^^The dickens you do.” ^^Yes; a very unfortunate 
accident for me, as well as you. Only, you were the 
sufferer and I the suffered. I was suddenly taken with a 
cramp. Marquis, and I had to excuse myself in rather an 
unceremonious manner. ” 

'‘Very good!” "Capital!” "Another one!” as Southern 
had finished his song. ' ' Templeton is going to accompany 
Southern in one of his best.” 

“Only A Pansy Blossom.” 

"Oh! Yes, by all that’s lovely, do,” said the blonde. 

■Well then, by you who art so lovely, I’ll do the deed. 
" Come on boy,” said Templeton to Southern, " and lets 
get through it at once. I’m getting thirsty as a camel. I 
want a champagne on ice.” 


OB, O^E SUMMER. 


25 


The song was well rendered. Some one in the assembly 
proposed a speech, and Squire Tattler, was the one called 
upon to deliver an oration. After some fee, foo, fumb- 
ling, that individual slowly rose to his feet and said : 

Friends and Fellow Guests: — Thirty years ago, I was 
young, yes, a young man, and now I am an old stiff. I 
look back, on the long expanse of years with a smile of 
joy. Yes; Fm smiling now.” 

‘^Did you ever go a fishing. Squire ? ” asked a member 
of the party. 

‘‘Yes; and I was generally successful; I used to catch 
fish — long fish, short fish, headless fish, two legged fish, 
queer fisli, long funny round fish and old fish too, 1 sup- 
pose, and the old stiff* who fished for them, was the worst 
fish of all.” 

“Bully for the old man! proceed.” 

“ Well, thirty years ago I was on the broad bossom of 
the Atlantic.” 

“Yes; pity you didn’t stay there,” said Southern. 

One of the bar waiters had arrived at this juncture for 
orders. 

“ Half a dozen, at my expense, for the old fish man,’ ’ 
said Luke, jokingly, to Mr. Busybody. 

“What’s the old bloak driving at?” Luke asked 
Busybody. 

“One of his hobbies. Fish! Listen to him. The 
old man was driving out words by the dozens, to be sold 
out at the fish stores. 

“Yes; thirty years ago I saw a fish on the Atlantic 
ocean.” 

“Did you, really? What size was he?” asked Tem- 
pleton. 

“ Oh! The size of the Eocky Mountains! ” 

“Did you catch him?” asked Busybody, laughing 
under his breath. ' 


26 


ANCILLA BE MONTES, 


No, by thunder; my fishing-rod was in my cabin, and 
the steamship was rolling heavily. Ha ! ha ! ha ! ” 

“That will do, old man,” said Mr. Transit; “that 
beats Jonah and his whale.” 

“Well, the fact of the matter was,” said the Squire, 
“ I often wish I were a fish. ” 

“ And then I would catch you,” said Lady Primrose. 

‘ ‘ Only I would have to be a whale ! ” 

“Good! good!” cried all. 

“She is the strangest of her kind; she amuses us all.''' 

Who’s for Green Seal and Extra Dry? Give the first 
peddler a bottle; yes; and Jonah one, too,” said Temple- 
ton, pointing to Lady Primrose. 

“Waiter! waiter! uncork the bottle, and let’s all be 
merry, for we go a fishing to-morrow.” 

“And where ? ” 

“To the Atlantic, with the Squire as guide, in an open 
boat.’ ’ 

“Let’s have Auld Lang Syne, by the entire company, 
with He’s a Jolly Good Fellow, first, and sing it to the 
Lord of the seas and his mermaid ?’ ’ 

“To-morrow evening I shall have the extreme pleasure,” 
said Luke Southern, of presenting to the company a 
favorite of mine, who will interest you all, and is called 
‘ ‘ Ancilla Be Montes. ’ ’ 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


27 


CHAPTEE VI. 

Ancilla DeMontes was the wife of a once very well-to- 
do man, who was comfortably settled in one of the largely 
populated towns of England, and who had emigrated to 
America in the earlier days, to better his already good 
position in society. Not that he was dissatisfied with his 
lot, but he desired a somewhat wider field to make riches 
more quickly ; but the change, and the American world, 
did not make him what his ambitious thoughts would. 
Misfortunes and mishaps were his portion, and accidents 
happened which were a misfortune to him. His sorrows 
were many. He sought to lay his cares and his trials be- 
fore his wife, to solicit her sympathies, her kindness, her 
care, which she readily gave him ; but even that did not 
prevent him from drink. His ruling passion, the evil 
demon, had entwined himself around him. Degradation 
followed his resources to the wine cup ; an accident had 
placed him upon a bed of sickness ; and although attend- 
ed very faithfully by his wife, yet her entreaties, her tears 
did not entice him away from the evil companions who 
were leading him on to destruction. Alas ! how many 
such we find in the world, who are perhaps husbands and 
fathers, perhaps of large families. 

As we have already said, a wife may forgive, and in 
many instances forget, a husband’ s cruelty towards her- 
self or her children ; but how hard to forget a husband’s 
evil career, a ruling passion for drink. 

After a few years had passed in vicissitudes of many 
kinds, bright days, with many dark ones intervening,, 
after many wise counsels and kind entreaties, followed 
with tears, Ancilla prayed that her husband might over- 
come his ways, and become more attentive to her already 
sensitive nature ; but it was of no use — nothing would 


28 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


avail ; the habit had already become confirmed. They 
were becoming poor ; something must be done to sustain 
life, and it was at this time, and after due deliberation, 
that Ancilla DeMontes determined to enter the Grand 
Pacific Hotel as a servant, to earn her daily bread, which 
her husband denied her in his love for drink. Stern ne- 
cessity is a hard master, and it was hard to bear ; but 
Ancilla was firm. She had courage, and an opportunity 
had come when she could show her courage. 

This history is a prelude necessary to the reader, so 
that the thread of the story will meet with those already 
unwound in the previous chapters. 

Ancilla DeMontes, at this time, was young in years, but 
old in experience. She was tall and fully developed in 
stature and form, both of which were good, a little in- 
clined, perhaps, to stoop , her face was long, her features 
irregular. She could not claim beauty, in its perfection, 
for she was not handsome. Her disposition, as to temper, 
was at times uncertain. She was a favorite with many, 
particularly with old Squire Tattler, who was delighted 
with her at once. He was at first reserved towards her; 
but as time rolled by he overcame all that, and afterwards 
became her fond favorite and firm counsellor in general. 

Mr. Paramour was another of her admirers, so was 
Mr. Tangletongue, and these three friends of Ancilla were 
rivals in their efforts to secure her smiles. She was wise. 
She made much of them all, and they liked her in return. 
They were all acquainted with her life previous to her be- 
coming an attache of the hotel. This accounted for her 
unusual attention to these pets in the dining-room, much 
to the discomfiture of the other guests who were in turn 
neglected. However, they cared but little for that, and 
consoled themselves with the speedy annihilation of the 
Eeform Bill, which was then before the House of Com- 
mons. 


OB, ONE SUMMER, 


2 ^ 


Ancilla was by no means a good musician, but could re- 
late an anecdote in good style, amusing to her hearers, 
and which would invariably captivate the old Squire’s 
heart, who would sing : 

‘‘Better than good, ain’t it, Tangietongue. Give us 
your experience of the trip across the Atlantic,” not yet 
forgetting his hobby of the sea and its fish. 

“No, no; Tangietongue can do that; he has such a de- 
lightful memory. Eelate one,” she asked, as the three of 
them were seated alone in the sitting-room of the hotel, 
looking at that individual. 

“Well, I will tell you of an incident that happened in 
18 — , at sea. We Avere nearing the banks of NeAvfound- 
land, ” Tangietongue went on to say “the sea had by this 
time become monotonous; Ave Avere now six days and a 
half out from the dock at Liverpool, Avhen I had taken 
passage for America. I had taken a steerage ticket, be- 
cause I could not, at that time, afford a cabin. I had said 
monotonous, but should have said delightful. You know 
you can talk of corned beef and cabbage, and cabbage 
and corned beef. It would have been a feast at 
Delmonico’s, to me, Avho had tasted nothing for three 
days but China stink-fish, with craAvler sauce and sea- 
biscuits, tea and molasses mixed, to wash it doAvn; and a 
kick noAv and again, to help me SAvalloAv it doAvn, by a 
very accommodating steward. Nevertheless, to proceed, 
we were almost sighting the land. We had frequently 
met with icebergs, and had seA^eral very narroAv escapes^ 
from coming in contact with them. We were steaming 
along sloAvly under one bell, because a slight fog had 
come up from the land, bloAvn over by a stiff breeze. I 
was leaning over the bulwark of the vessel, gazing very 
earnestly into the dense blue-green water dashing up 
against the side of the steamer, thinking what would be- 
come of me in the great continent of America. My 


30 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


thoughts were of Liverpool and of my mother’s apron- 
string that had tied me up so securely for thirty-five years, 
and was wishing myself back on England’s sunny shore, 
when a great monster lifted his head out of the water and 
looked at me.” 

‘‘Fish ! Fish !” exclaimed the now excited Tattler. 

“Yes, and he had green in his eyes, the same as I have; 
only his were dark and mine are light. Well, the great 
brute looked at me and, by George ! laughed at me, as 
much as to say, ‘Well, you’re a greeny, too ; and a two- 
penny half-penny one at that.’ The fog had in the mean- 
time lifted, and the broad, high cliffs on land were plainly 
discernable. A few minutes more and we had touched 
the wharf, and were landing the mails and taking on pas- 
sengers and freight for Halifax and Quebec, at which 
ports we expected to arrive in a few hours. This ends my 
story; and every time I see fish coming from the sea it 
makes my blood run cold, for then I remember those 
green eyes, and think how vastly green I was then. Now, 
you must know, I am a man of the world, but not green, 
as my adventures in New York will prove. I spent a few 
days in the ancient Gibraltar of Canada, which is Quebec, 
with great interest and pleasure — but without adventure. 
I crossed to Port Lewis, on the south shore of the river 
St. Lawrence, and took a ticket for Montreal direct, arriv- 
ing there at the opening of the great exhibition of that 
year. The city was jammed. Great crowds had arrived, 
and were still arriving, from all parts of Canada. I spent 
a forenoon in the Exhibition Building, and an afternoon 
of another day in the Art Galleries, and the great Cathe- 
dral of Notre Dame. I was strolling along leisurely on 
St. James street, when I came in contact with a crowd of 
Frenchmen coming from a pavilion a short distance away. 
I got twisted in amongst the fellows, and was then relieved 
of my pocket-b(jok and my ticket, which I had purchased 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


31 


for New York. The ticket was of no great consequence, 
as it read ‘third-class;’ but then, at that time the question 
was, How was I to proceed any further, being without 
money and without a ticket? I had not a cent. How I 
wished I had never left England and those apron-strings.” 

“ Poor fellow !” exclaimed Ancilla ; “but proceed.” 

“Well, the question was, how to proceed? At last a 
thought came to me : I must work my way across the line. 
But how ? was the question. At last I called in at the 
office of the traffic manager of the Boston and Air Line, 
and applied for a position as brakeman or, in fact, any- 
thing that would present itself, and was informed at once 
that no position was vacant. What was I to do ? Provi- 
dence threw me in the way of a kind nigger — a porter on 
one of the Grand Trunk night-trains — who blacked me up 
in such a style that I passed for one of Africa’s sons, and 
he smuggled me through. I reached New York next 
morning. I saw one of my friends there, who supplied 
me with enough tin to reach San Francisco ; and there I 
had another adventure, of which I will relate to you 
another evening. 


CHAPTEE YII. 

The steamer Clansman had arrived from the city with 
several excursionists on board, who had come to pay the 
grand scenery of the mountains and valleys a visit. They 
at once repaired to the hotel, and assembled in the parlor, 
where they were inviting all to a dance on board the 
Clansman. The Marquis, with Lady Primrose, and the 


32 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


Scribe, with Mrs. Busybody, signified their intention of 
going, and at once rushed to their rooms to dress. 

‘‘Where is Ancilla, is she going?” asked Grubshanks 
of Leggins, who was standing near by. 

“I do not know; you had better ask her. 

‘ ‘ Where is she ?’ ’ 

“Out on the balcony,” he said. 

“By the way, Mrs. DeMontes, do you go to the dance?” 

“No, Mr. Leggins; I find that I am troubled wdth a. 
nervous headache, and can’t bring myself to go. Many 
thanks, however, for the invitation and your offer to 
chaperone me.’ ’ 

“Well, what about Mrs. DeForrest and Miss Big by — 
where are they?” 

“In their room, I think. I might say that I will ex- 
tend the invitation to them for you ; but I think they will 
not go, as Mr. BeForrest is absent from town. They 
may, however, go in charge of one of their gentlemen 
friends. Pardon me a moment, I will ask them.” 

Presently Ancilla returned, and said: The ladies, in re- 
turn, send their compliments to you, and say that, un- 
avoidably, they cannot be present, much to their regret. ” 

“ It’s really too bad you are not going, and now they 
do not care to go. You see, the officers of the vessel 
have done all they possibly could to make a success o*f 
everything, and now they will find, much to their chagrin, 
that it is a failure.” 

“Yes, and the electric lights, which will come in use 
in the saloon, v/here they will dance. ’Tis too bad, and I 
am sorry, replied Ancilla. 

An hour later Luke Southern looked in. He found 
them enjoying themselves immensely. They v/ere about 
to repair to the dining saloon, v/here a sumptuous repast 
was laid. Everything was elegant, as were the two China 
millionaires who were present, dressed in their quaint style 


OR, ONE SUMMER, 


33 


and their long queues. They were very amusing in their 
manner, and were quite an addition to the party. 

After due appreciation of the tempting viands, the 
ladies retired to the private’ saloon, where the piano and 
musical instruments were. Here they were trying some 
new operas, v/hile the gentlemen were discussing Cabinet, 
Green Seal and Gliquot, and also expressing animated 
views over the merits of the new Liquor Act, which would 
go into force at an early date. 

Captain Scott was going briefly into the merits of the 
act 

‘‘Now, Captain Scott, you don’t mean to say this new 
act of Parliament will ever work in this country? It 
can’t possibly exist, I tell you. It might be tried, but it 
will never succeed. I am quite content to see the validity 
of the case tested, but that will be all it will amount to.” 

Mr. Quimby, who was, in fact, interested in hotels and 
liquors, spoke up next. 

“ To begin with : would it be right to see one man, T)r 
a single hotel, do the trade of four or five houses'? I say 
it would not. Now, as you know, I am in the business 
myself, and am I likely to stand by and see my trade 
taken away, without a struggle ? Not much ! I am anx- 
ious to see a test case made of the act, and am as confi- 
dent as you are that it can’t work with any benefit in this 
country. ” 

“Well, for my part,” responded Leggins, “we must 
have liquors as the beverages of the age, and we will 
have them, in defiance of the temperance societies. They 
may do what they can to crush the evil, but so long as the 
earth revolves on its own axis (which is an established 
fact), so long will men desire, and have the material to 
supply the alcoholic taste.” 

“’Twill be a long day before I go without my cham- 
pagne, cocktail and sherry-cobbler,” muttered Grub^ 


34 


ANGILLA DE MONTES, 


stanks. I was once a member of the Band of Hope, the 
I. O. G. T., and the Blue-Eibbon Club; but I dropped 
them all, when I made the astounding discovery, that the 
most prominent agitators of the temperance cause were 
indulging, behind the scenes, in temperance drinks, such 
as ginger-pop, cider and lemonades, containing, as a 
flavoring ^blossom,’ 55 per cent. -of genuine worm- 
distilled whiskies, sour-mash, cutter, bourbon, etc. — after 
delivering an address of entreaty, perhaps an hour prev- 
ious, with tears in their eyes; I quickly came to the 
conclusion that the sooner I openly declared myself a 
self-sustaining disciple and moderator of whisky-straight, 
the more I would think of myself as a man. So let us 
drink one to the Blue-Ribbon Club !” 

^^That is my principle, exactly, and I will never sign 
away my independence to the so-called Temperance 
Societies,” said the Scribe. ‘‘I’m too fond of the juice 
of the grape, anyway. Let’s join the ladies.” 

They all arose at once and entered the music-room. 

“Why, Marquis, you here? I thought you were not 
going to remain for the dance?” 

“Well, you know, I was in receipt of some important 
correspondence from England, which required immediate 
attention ; but relenting at my absence from the party, I 
have returned for a few moments. I am sorry, you know, 
very sorry ; but you know it can’t be avoided.’ ’ 

“ However, we are going to sing, and trust you may be 
able to assist us ?” 

“No; not to-night. But I see Dick Darrell in the for- 
ward saloon; shall I summon him for you ?” 

“Yes, if you please.” 

So a quartette was made up, and several lively airs 
rendered. At the request of Mr. Scribe, the National 
Anthem was sung; after which the Star Spangled Banner 
was suggested, at the breaking up of a merry party at the 
early hour of two o’clock in the morning. 


OR, ONE SUMMER, 


35 


CHAPTEE VIII. 

The Fourth of July was ushered in by the American 
Tesidents amid great commotion, except there was no 
cannon to boom forth the herald of the Declaration of 
Independence; but the day was beautiful, and the cooling 
breeze regulated the scorching rays of the sun. An 
excursion party was expected up from below by one of 
the steamers plying between points on the river and an 
Ajnerican port. Several games were to come off at ten 
o’clock, the hour set for the arrival of the excursion 
steamer. The excursionists were to take the railway to 
points above the mountains, and return in due season 
for the banquet tendered in the evening at the Grand 
Pacific Hotel. At ten o’clock in the forenoon the steamer 
was seen coming around the bend of the river, fiying at 
her masthead the Stars and Stripes, while the Union Jack 
of old England was below that of the American flag. 
The people of the town had congregated to meet the ex- 
cursionists, and the Marquis was there, too. 

Her Majesty to be insulted, and her subjects as well! 
No, never 1” he said, excitedly* ‘^Tear down the flag 1 
Pluck out the Stars and Stripes from the masthead. I am 
a representative of her Majesty, and I insist upon it !” 

Do have it taken down,” said Sir Edwin ; I would 
not have it, if I were you.” 

Luke Southern chipped in with the^remark : The cap- 
tain is an American, and did it on purpose to annoy you. 
Marquis.” 

I’ll thank you. Southern, to bear in mind my sur- 
name, which is Douglas. If you do not care to address 
me as such, do not address me at all.” 


36 


ANCILLA BE MONTES, 


At your pleasure, my Lord Marquis. Beg your par-^ 
don, Lord Douglas. Excuse me. Ahem ! Douglas, have 
a drink?” 

‘‘No, thanks; not anything more for me. The fact is^ 
that I am out of humor with the American captain — ^you 
and the American people in general. Our Majesty the 
Queen, you know, has been insulted.” 

Sir Edwin approached him and said: “No, Marquis, 
the best thing you can do is to have a game of pool, to 
see if the Americans cannot beat the British. Will you 
play?” 

So they played a game, and, as usual, the Marquis was 
elected. 

“Confound the game, anyway. In London I used to 
beat the chaps, and in Ottawa, too; and at Eideau Hall : 
but this country takes the cake. Blast the bloomin’ coun- 
try, anyhow. Let’s drink.” 

A few nights after the one so pleasantly spent on board 
the Clansman, we found Sir Edwin, the Marquis, the 
Scribe and the Grubshanks, who, with Frenchy and Mr. 
Franklin, were indulging in the game of pin-pool at the 
Palace Hotel. 

“ Four for No. 3,” as the Scribe sent the ivories to the 
left cushion, making twelve in the shot. Sir Edwin came 
next, and, with a dexterous movement of his cue, knocked 
down pins to the extent of fifteen. 

“A capital shot,” said Grubshanks, as the counter 
indicated twenty-nine points for Sir Edwin. “ And now 
’tis my shot.” This time he miscued, scoring but three. 

“ Shoot, Marquis, and make pins.” 

“Ah ! bless my heart; devilish bad position, you know. 
Eeally, cawn’t be helped, you know.” This blooming 
Lord chalked his cue and shot, missing every ball and 
scoring nothing. 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


37 


^‘Tell you wliat it is, Marquis, you play well, but 
make nothing. Now, look here,” said Sir Edwin, am 
going to pool the game, and end it here ; and by a 
ramps, too. AVatch.” 

The deuce you are,” returned the Marquis. ^^Bet 
you a bottle of Cliquot that can’t be done.” 

take you up. Marquis, for one bottle or one dozen.” 

Very good, then;, one dozen it is. Shoot.” 

Sir Edwin was a cool calculator, and saw that by a 
combination shot and to round the corner by a follow 
was sure to knock down the four pins, leaving the 
center one remaining standing, and end the game. . ’Twas 
a hard and difficult shot to make, and was watched with 
interest by all. Crack went the balls. The shot was 
well calculated, and all coming down the table beauti- 
fully together. ’Twas a ramps, and a perfect one. 

Hurrah for Sir Edwin! Order the wine. Marquis.” 


CHAPTEE IX. 

In the sitting-room of the Grand were seated the three 
confidential friends of Ancilla DeMontes — the spectacled 
Squire Tattler, Tangletongue and Paramour, who was 
seated alongside of Mrs. DeMontes. She was just then 
asking him to relate his adventures to the North Pole 
with the James Gordon Bennett ” expedition. 

am sure,” she was saying, ’twill be very inter- 
esting as well as instructive. Of course, we must here 
.give Mr. Tangletongue the credit of furnishing us with 


38 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


the most laughable story. Just fancy, again, the idea 
of him blacking up and passing himself off as a nigger 
and coming to New York.” 

“Ha? ha! ha! ’Twas funny, however,” exclaimed 
Squire Tattler. “Proceed with the yarn of the North 
Pole, Mr. Paramour.” 

“ In the month of May, in the year 18 — , I was at that 
time on one of the islands in the Pacific called ‘Vancouver,^ 
employed then at the collieries at Wellington. There 
was some dissatisfaction among the men, caused by a 
reduction in wages. They would not accept the new 
conditions, and they unanimously agreed among them- 
selves they would have the full amount of the schedule 
rates existing previous to this or nothin. Furthermore,^ 
they agreed to quit work or fight. Without going further 
into particulars, I will say that in the end the militia were 
called out to quell the riots, and to disperse the mob 
then existing in all parts of the coal-mining districts. 
I then resolved, when the men quit work, to leave also, 
for I knew there would be trouble, and did not wish to 
mix myself up with it. About this time a friend of mine 
had written to me from Junian, Alaska, saying that he 
expected to be in Sitka just as soon as he had word of 
his mining claim on the Yukon Eiver. He went on to 
say in his letter that Bennett, of the New York Herald^ 
was fitting out a new expedition for the North Pole. 
The vessel was expected to be at Alaska at an early 
date. Word was sent ahead to have two men reserved 
in case they needed an extra couple, for then they would 
not be delayed in securing them. My friend was going, 
and he asked me to go also. After due deliberation I 
made up my mind to go too. As I have already said, the 
labor riots in the mining districts were beginning to at- 
tract attention from the Government, who were advised 
to have a small company of militia in readiness to be 


OE, ONE SUMMER, 


3 ^ 


dispatclied at a moment’s notice. Well, I finally agreed 
to try an adventure on the Northern Seas. I arrived by 
steamer at Sitka after a few days’ run, and found my 
friend quartered at one of the small hotels there, wait- 
ing both for myself and the expedition steamer. Tert 
days after this we were heading for the Arctic Ocean. 
The weather was bitterly cold, and we all suffered more 
or less from the exposure. Ice fioes and icebergs were 
numerous, and it required considerable tact on the part of 
the Captain to keep clear of them. Well, this kind of 
thing lasted for some time, until we found ourselves one 
day jammed tight in between the ice, and of course we 
had to remain there several months. We hunted the polar 
bear and shot seals and other animals. Perhaps you may 
think I was a guest on board the Arctic ship ‘Cable?’ 
Not much; I was made steward, and had many duties to 
attend to. Of course, after our duties were over we used 
to go out in a party to hunt. A sled would be stocked up, 
and, drawn by six or eight Esquimaux dogs, we would 
remain away four or five days and return with bear, seals, 
etc. I was told, but could not vouch for the truth of it, 
that at times peculiar snow-storms would spring up early 
in the morning and continue for hours, and sometimes^ 
days. I never was lost but once, and that was when I 
went out alone to spot a grizzly. I started off having my 
rifle and twenty or so of wire cartridges, and was prepared 
to spend several hours in the hunt. After walking along' 
some distance I observed a polar bear carefully picking 
his way around a high cliff of ice. I raised the rifle to 
my shoulder, and after aiming at his heart, fired, but 
struck him in one of his hams. This angered him. He 
turned and came towards me, but I ran away from the brute. 
He followed; I missed my footing and slipped, and fell 
headlong, stunning me for an instant. The bear was close 
upon me. I breathed a prayer. I could almost feel the hot 


40 


ANCILLA BE MONTES, 


breath of the infuriated beast upon me. Myrifle waslost, hav- 
ing dropped when I fell into a crevice between two walls of 
solid ice. I must die, I thought. ^ Lord help me,’ I cried, 
and sank down exhausted. I closed my eyes, expecting 
to be torn to pieces, when the sharp report of a rifle rang 
out on the still, cold air. I was saved. The bear lay 
dead almost at my feet. My friend had saved me. Be- 
coming over anxious at my long absence from the ship, 
he had sought me out and delivered me just in time to 
save my life. Another minute and I would have been food 
for the hungry beast. This was enough North Pole for 
me, I was anxious to return to civilization, but could 
not until the Spring, at all events. I fully determined, 
however, never to go out alone again. Our captain, who was 
a, very venturesome and daring fellow, delighted in plac- 
ing himself in danger, as it were. At one time he came 
near being drowned. We had, toward the end of De- 
cember, touched at one of the polar stations in an Es- 
quimaux settlements. After leaving the ship in a yawl-boat, 
manned by four sailors. A stiff breeze was blowing from 
the northeast, and bitterly cold it was. The sea was run- 
ning high. We were within a few hundred yards of 
the shore when one of the men broke an oar. The 
boat was thrown into the trough of the sea. A high 
wave struck the side of the boat, enveloping and filling 
her. She sank within fiftj^ yards of the shore. All were 
good swimmers excepting the Captain, who had taken a 
cramp, which rendered him powerless to use his arms or 
limbs. One of the men, seeing his critical condition, 
caught hold of him and held him up until the shore 
was reached. They at once made for the huts of the 
Esquimaux, who were hospitably inclined, and treated 
them all with much kindness. Our men were utterly be- 
numbed, but were soon made warm. A repast was laid 
before us, consisting of bear’s meat fried in oil, fish and 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


41 


the like, of which we partook of most heartily, and were 
thankfnl. Well, to proceed with my story, if you are not 
tired of listening. I fell sick at the Esquimaux village. 
I was too ill to be removed to the ship; so I was left 
there by my comrades, in charge of one of the wives of 
the natives, who was very attentive and kind to me — so 
was her daughter, a handsome person of about twenty. 
It is needless for me to say I fell deeply in love with the 
maiden. She was greatly enamored of me, although I do 
say it myself, and she would do anything for me. Well, 
to tell the truth and shame the devil, I married her — 
that is to say, we made vows between us to be husband 
and wife. I could not see my way clear to bring her 
along with me on the steamer, although the Captain 
gave his consent to that effect, however. To bring her 
to civilization I could not, and to let her remain I must. 
So the end of it was we separated. She was very much 
attached to me and I liked her. A few months after this 
we were again in Alaska, and were to leave for San 
Francisco in a few days. I left the vessel there and 
shipped again on a vessel bound for the Clyde, in Scot- 
land. I arrived there in due season, and shall, on some 
future occasion, relate to you a. few incidents of my 
voyage to Scotland.” 

^Wery interesting, indeed,” said the Squire, looking 
at Ancilla; ^^but the exploration of the Northern Seas, ” he 
continued, ^^is necessarily hazardous, and great dangers 
and exposures are frequently met with.” 

^^Of course,” said Mr. Paramour, have had my 
adventures and my escapes from sudden death ; still, for 
all that, I consider myself bound to say I heartily en- 
joyed myself.” 


42 


ANCILLA BE MONTES, 


CHAPTEK X. 

To-day being the anniversary of the birth of Mr. Eich- 
ard Darrell, it was proposed to hold a conversazione, with 
a dance afterward, in honor of that individual, in the 
large dining hall of the hotel. A large number of people 
were there, including ladies, who were numerous, and 
evidently enjoying themselves. Mr. Kenson, with Pauline 
Clifford, a young attache of the house, were executing a 
difficult movement, a part of the ‘^Lancers.” The Squire 
was there, too, conversing with Mr. Hansom, as usual, on 
on the subject of marine-diving, fish, and the like, which 
was his usual hobby. 

Mrs. DeForrest, Lady Primrose and Miss Digby, came 
late, but brought with them their usual attractions and 
brilliancy. Mrs. Busybody, leaning on the arm of Mr. 
Dick Darrell, was promenading the hall. Ancilla De- 
Montes would not dance, as she had a slight headache, 
and was about to return, but was prevented from doing so 
by the arrival of Mr. Paramour, who insisted on her giv- 
ing him the pleasure of a waltz, then starting, to the music 
of The Blue Danube.” 

Mr. Templeton and Mr. and Mrs. Carew arrived just in 
time for a quadrille, which was forming as they entered. 
Mr. Carew himself could not dance, although he was fond 
of looking on. Mr. *Wm. Darrell w^as introducing the 
Marquis to some of the ladies Avho had not the pleasure 
of claiming an acquaintance with that illustrious gentle- 
man. 

‘‘Aw, this is charming, ladies; aw, really splendid, 
don’t you know. Of course you dance, Mrs. Carew? Aw, 
shall I have the pleasure, don’t you know, of a waltz?” 

“Yes, you may ; but, mind you, don’t you tread on my 
toes with your big feet. ” 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


45 


Oh, I beg pardon, they are small. ’Tis a mistake ; 
they belong to Luke Southern. ” 

And it was a fact; the lady having mistaken one pair of 
patent-leathers for another. 

Templeton, who was a literary man, a correspondent 
for one of the metropolitan journals, was in close conver- 
sation with Sir Edwin Eigby, who was not dancing. 
Eigby had just gone over to Lady Primrose, and was 
begging her for the next polka. 

‘‘ Of course. Sir Edwin, I know you dance well, but my 
card is almost full.” However, she pencilled Eigby for 
the next polka, and also for a waltz, much to Eigby ’s 
delight. 

The Marquis was unfortunate, even with his small feet^ 
for he trod on the train of Mrs. Carew’s dress, and com- 
pletely demolished the lower garment, much to the 
chagrin of that lady. 

Beg your pardon, a thousand times. Lady Carew, ” he 
said. 

Dear me. Marquis, how stupid of you ; you clumsy 
brute. 111 never forgive you.” * 

Do you know. Lady Carew, I was thinking, don’t you 
know, of how pretty your hands were when my unlucky 
foot was placed upon your dress.” 

Of course Lady Carew retired at ouce to her room, in 
order to effect a change in her dress. In the meantime 
the Marquis was unhappy. 

Conflicting thoughts were pressing through Luke 
Southern’s cranium, when he approached the unhappy 
lord. He said, ‘‘Why, Marquis, you should be more in 
sympathy with the delicate feelings of the ladies. Think 
of how close you were in almost denuding her ladyship of 
her dress.” 

“Quite an accident, I assure you, Southern,” said the 
crestfallen Duke. “Let’s retire for a smoke ; have a 
cigar ?” 


44 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


thank yon. Let’s have a game of billiards; 
come to the billiard rooms.” 

The ladies had retired to the parlor, and were enjoying 
several pieces of new music. The gentlemen, in parties 
of four and five, had become separated, some to play bil- 
liards, some to the card-table, but the majority had retired 
for the night. 

Thus ended another evening at the Grand Hotel. 

The days were fast slipping away. The weather was 
beautiful, perhaps a little too sultry ; notwithstanding, the 
forenoons were pleasant enough. Official business had 
called many of the gentlemen away from the watering 
place. The Presidential election of 1884 was the absorb- 
ing topic of interest. The convention of delegates had 
met at Chicago, and everything seemed in favor of the Re- 
publicans. However, the Democrats were doing their 
utmost to have their man nominated, but the Republican 
movements were telling on Democracy. Blaine, the 
plumed Knight of Maine, with tatooed Logan from Illinois, 
were the favorites. 

“Well,” said Mr. Clifton to the Scribe — both of them 
are anthusiastic Americans — “What about Blaine’s foreign 
policy? You know that when Blaine was Secretary of 
State, and in correspondence with England on the treaty 
question, it was thought there would be trouble between 
the nations. Now, such a state of things ought not to 
occur in the United States. There ought to be no trouble, 
no enemies, no war.” 

“Well, America should maintain her rights, at any 
cost,” said Mr. Wellbourne; “and, furthermore, Blaine 
was right in showing up England’s interference in the 
proper light. He is a man of force ; a maji of courage ; 
a man of experience in politics, and a man whose word is 
law. There was a time in Congress that Blaine was like 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


45 


Beaconsfield in liis opinions; yet lie was, like Beaconsfield, 
at the foot of the ladder; but, by steady application and 
close scrutiny of the working of the machinery of politics^ 
he soon began to rise »nd to fill high and honorable posi- 
tions. The newspapers are cutting up Blaine and Logan 
to pieces. The press carries a great power and influence 
for either good or evil. ” 

Mr. Durand spoke up next, and said: would like to 

see a Democratic Government for a change. If we only 
could get Hancock to lead off with a good lot of fol- 
lowers.” 

“A change now would no doubt go good; but yet the 
Eepublicans are doing well, and ‘right wrongs no one,’ ” 
returned Mr. Scribe. “Still, the Democracy is a recog- 
nized power, and is much felt at the present day by the 
Republican forces.” 

“ Quite true, quite true,” said Squire Tattler. “Nev- 
ertheless the Republicans are good for another four years. 
Blaine shall be elected President. He is the right man 
in the right place, in my estimation. What we now 
want is political faith. And have we got it? That is 
the question.” 

“ Blaine is a man of original ideas,” Mr. Edwards was 
saying. “I knew him when he first entered political 
life. He was always a man who laid out his line of 
life in advance and worked up to it. How many politicians 
are there .like him? Very few, I must say. There was 
nothing accidental in his career. Henry Ward Beecher 
is said to be original, but I rather think Blaine could 
dispute with him for originality. It was at that time,” 
continued Mr. Edwards, “when I first knew Blaine. I 
was then correspondent for one of the New York dailies. 
He seemed to know every newspaper of note, and some- 
thing of the editors themselves. He valued the power 
of the press. His knowledge of everything pertaining 


46 


ANGILLA BE MONTES, 


to literature was great. He could converse on any sub- 
ject with ease and eloquence. He was personally ac- 
quainted with every prominent man in the country. Yes, 
and of Wall street, too. I think he would have made 
an able financier; one who would have cut a big figure 
on Wall street. He understood the ‘bulls and bears’ 
of that great money center. In conclusion, nothing 
would give me greater pleasure than to see James G. 
Blaine President of the United States of America.” 


CHAPTEE XI. 

“Are you going down to the picnic at H.?” inquired 
the Marquis of the Scribe, who had just come up. 

“I think I will,” said the Scribe; “ are you going ?” 

“Yes; do you go, Mr. Edwards?” 

“No; I leave for San Francisco en route to Wash- 
ington. Many thanks for the invitation; but meantime 
I have some business to do, so good morning. Shall 
see you in the morning. Give my regards to the Mar- 
quis and to Sir Edwin Eigby. Good morning.” 

“Let’s to the ‘Palace’ and have some cigars. Mr. 
Whalebone, do you smoke, or do you have a brandy and 
soda ? ” 

“ Thanks; I choose the latter. Eeally they do not have 
good brandy in the country. Hennessy is good; that 
is, when one gets the pure article. Now-a-days there 
is nothing pure. Everything is adulterated. California 
making good brandy, only it lacks age and body . Their 


OB, ONE SUMMER. 


47 


wines are good; better than the imported stuff they now 
have here. It’s only the lowest quality they keep. 
There is nothing like the Madeira wines, though. When 
I lived in England I imported direct from ^‘JMadeira” 
for my cellars. One can get nothing like it in this coun- 
try.” 

Are you coming down with us to the picnic ? ” asked 
Mr. Primrose of Whalebone. 

‘‘No; I have business to attend to. How many ladies 
are going?” 

“Well, there is Lady Primrose, Mrs. Busybody, Lady 
Carew, and several other young ladies. The Marquis, 
Mr. Carew, Sir Edwin, Mr. Primrose and myself are 
the only gentlemen escorts, though there is also Mr. 
Erenchy.” 

“What time do you start, and do you go in canoes?’’ 

“We start at ten o’clock precisely. Yes; we go down 
in canoes and return with the mail steamer, which calls 
for us at the wharf at H . It’s about time we re- 

turned to the Grand. We shall have to commission 
Southern to manage about the edibles and the cham- 
pagne.” 

“The Indians with the canoes have arrived. Sir Edwin, 
and yeur presence is required at the parlor by the ladies,” 
said a small boy, hurriedly delivering his message. 

At eleven o’clock the small party had assembled on the 
shore of the river, and were embarking . In one canoe 
were the Marquis with Lady Primrose, Mr. Scribe with 
Lady Busybody, Erenchy with Miss DeRenville. 

In another canoe were Sir Edwin and Mr. Carew, in 
charge of the lunch-baskets and the baggage. These 
gentlemen desired to be left alone. 

The startling revelation of the morning’s dispatches 
from New York were to the effect that Wall street was in 
a ferment. Banks were collapsing; a celebrated firm of 


48 


ANCILLA BE MONTES, 


brokers bad failed, in consequence of which several firms 
immediately connected with it had to suspend. Wild 

rumors were afloat, to the effect that the M Bank had 

closed its doors, an anxious and angry populace were the 
depositors and surrounding the doors, hoping thereby to 
glean information, and if possible recover the savings 
they had placed therein. 

Say, Carew, those fellows are in a fix and are in for it. 
I only hope that those who deserve punishment wdll have 
it meted out to them. Nothing, in my opinion, deserves 
more severe punishment than robbery, in taking from 
those poor, industrious people their hard-earned savings; 
but they should learn to understand the ways of the world. 
And yet how can they, again ? The general masses of 
people are prone, or they at least have a tendency, to dab- 
ble in stocks, and to tamper with the grain margins and 
speculations.” 

Now, my candid opinion is. Sir Edwin, that the Gov- 
ernment should appoint inspectors to enquire into the 
affairs of a stock company for the common interests of the 
people; for when a clique of men enter into business with 
a limited capital, and from that capital to reap corruption, 
that’s their own personal lookout ; but it is for the interest 
of the people and their money this inspection should be 
made. It should be known what becomes of the money 
they receive from the people as deposits; whence does it 
come, and whither does it go. This is what should be 
proclaimed and made known to the people. Millions of 
money was in a short time spilt away in unlawful gamb- 
ling. That is what I name ^puts’ and ‘calls ;” swindlers^ 
and thieves are the ‘ Bulls ’ and ‘ Bears ;’ only society 
shields a man that steals millions, and the common jail is 
the resort for a hungry wretch, an outcast, who perhaps 
steals a loaf of bread.” 


Oi?, ONE SUMMER, 


49 


Carew, yon are giving it to tliem strong. I 
agree vntli yon on tlie question of Goverement interfer- 
ence and official regulation. It is only right; and yet I 
am afraid things Avill go on the same old way. If we 
have to wait for the regulation of Wall street by the Gov- 
ernment, ’twill never be in onr time, old fellow. The 
rising generation must see to that. Let’s hope for the 
best, anj^^ay.” 

It is needless to say that the party reached their desti- 
nation with safety, and a few hours were spent very pleas- 
antly. On their return to the hotel a drizzling rain set 
in, which was very disagreeable to the ladies. However, 
they maintained they enjoyed themselves; and, after all, 
perhaps they did. 


CHAPTER XII. 

It was a lovely morning. The sun shone brightly as it 
rose above the towering peaks in all its beauty and 
grandeur, throwing its golden rays upon the snow-capped 
bosom of the neighboring mountains, and looming up 
before the eye of the writer like a panoramic scene in the 
distance. On this early morning a few chosen guests of 
the Grand Pacific had been invited to attend an expedi- 
tion of some extent, set on foot by Sir Edwin Rigby, one 
of the most prominent and honored guests, and others, 
for the sole purpose of rest from the tortures of office- 
life, and enjoyment for a day at least. It was decided to 
spend the day at a beautiful, romantic spot located a few 
miles from town, known as the Frozen Lake, although the 
place, from its situation, was almost inaccessible, owing 
to the difficulty and danger attached thereto in climbing 


50 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


the mountains and following the trail, that led thei)leasure 
party to this attractive resort. The road of which I speak, 
once a public thoroughfare in early days, led the way to 
the interior of the country. But now the old route to the 
mines in this direction are abandoned, with the exception 
of now and then an Indian going that way in search of 
deer. To return to our party: The ladies, in company 
with the gentlemen, were anxious to go. The most 
prominent of the party were, the Scribe with Mrs. Busy- 
body, the haj)py-go-easy Marquis with Lady Primrose, 
and young Kenson with Miss Clifton. These gentlemen 
paired off with ladies, and went together, followed closely 
in the rear by the following gentlemen: Sir Edwdn Rigby, 
Mr. Grubshanks, Mr. Handsome, Prof. Spitz-Dogme (the 
noted violinist), and Mr. Eodesta, the English baritone — 
all of whom were en route to the Frozen Lake. They 
seemed to enjoy themselves hugely, as they meandered 
slowly along iip hill and down dale, admiring the beauties 
of nature as they passed along. 

Previous to starting from the hotel, Luke Southern, the 
manager, and a guest of the house, Mr. Traverse, a cor- 
respondent of the Louisville Courier -Journal, and a recent 
arrival from the East, were cordially invited to accompany 
the party by Sir Edwin Rigby, and the invitation was ac- 
cepted. These gentlemen, as they went along, were en- 
gaged in conversation regarding the country through 
which they passed (which is noted for its rugged beauty). 

Mr. Traverse remarked that ‘^no doubt the trip would 
be one of the most delightful he had ever experienced, 
and it 'would afford him an opportunity to write up the 
place. ” 

“It will be a capital theme to write on,” replied Luke 
Southern, “and will no doubt be interesting and in- 
structive to the readers of your valuable paper in the 
East.” 


OB, ONE SUMMER. 


51 


‘^Sensational and amusing,” said Sir Edwin,” laugh- 
ing. 

“But I hope it will not be too highly colored,” said 
Luke Southern, with a smile, who was wide awake to 
generate mischief in order to please a party, but never 
with the intention of offending. 

“Oh, no; not in the least. I shall describe correctly 
all that I may see.” 

“You have seen enough already at the Grand Pacific 
Hotel to fill a volume,” laughingly resumed Luke, “with- 
out seeing the lake, which will be quite an addition to 
the story.” 

“Yes,” chipped in Sir Edwin Eigbv; ^^be sure and 
remember to forward me one of the first copies.” 

Said Luke, jokingly: “Don’t forget to send me one 
also, as I have reason to believe it will be something 
grand and well worth reading, as well as amusing, to 
those who inay be fortunate enough to secure the book.” 

“Be assured, gentlemen, this work will, without doubt, 
meet with success, and prove itself unsurpassed by any 
work of the modern age.” 

The conversation ceased, for on looking ahead Luke 
exclaimed: “They have reache4 the Lake.” 

“Oh, Avhat a charming spot!” exclaimed Lady Prim- 
rose. 

“The prettiest place in the country, don’t you know,” 
replied the happy Marquis. 

“A very fine place, truly,” said the Scribe. 

“Yes, indeed, ladies,” hummed the Professor. “No 
doubt this may be a fine place to those who have never 
seen better; but it is nothing to compare in natural 
beauty to the Falls of the Yosemite.” 

“Oh! what a discovery,” exclaimed Mrs. Busybody, 
who, during this brief conversation, wandered off a short 
distance from the rest in search of flowers. “Oh! what 


52 


ANCILLA BE MONTES, 


beauties,” she said, as she held up her hand to the- 
‘Blonde.’ “They are lilies! I found them yonder, 
pointing to a short distance. 

The fact was that Mrs. Busybody and the Scribe had. 
discovered the ^^Lily of the Valley,'' 

“I think it is about lunch time,” said Sir Edwin 
Rugby to the party. 

“Yes,” replied Mr. Rodesta; “I’m nearly famished.’^ 

“Yes; me, too,” followed a score of voices who, no 
doubt, from the fatigues of the journey, felt as though 
refreshments would be acceptable. 

“Luke Southern, the caterer for the party, with his 
usual promptitude, had furnished everything that could be 
desired for the comfort and welfare of those who would 
soon be discussing the elegant viands and champagne 
he had so thoughtfully furnished for them. 

“Sir Edwin remarked: “So long as we have the pleas- 
ure of your company here, Mr. Southern, we kindly re- 
quest you to make yourself at home by being generally 
useful.” 

“By all means,” replied Luke. “It will afford me the 
greatest pleasure to render all the assistance in my 
power on this and all other occasions.” 

“Good?” exclaimed the “Blonde,” as she began 
spreading the cloth for luncheon, “he is really too 
good, isn’t he?” 

“Luke, did you bring a box of ‘ Big Bonanzas ’ with 
you? If so, we will enjoy a smoke after satisfying the 
inner man.” 

By this time Luke, with the assistance of the “Blonde,” 
had a lunch ready that was fit for a king. They all 
seated themselves around the luxurious spread, and in 
less time than it takes to tell it, they had left the spread 
bare in the way of food save the remains of a few 
chicken and beef-bones which were instantly devoured 


OB, ONE SUMMER. 


53 


by Luke's valuable bulldog, Snoozer, who had faithfully 
acted as bodyguard for the company. 

Don’t you know, ladies,” said the free-and-easy-going 
Marquis, I have really enjoyed this?” 

“I should say you had,” replied the ‘Blonde.’ I 
notice a whole chicken vanished from your plate.” 

“Well,” hastily resumed Mr. Bodesta, “I think we 
have all done ample justice to the provender.” 

“How do you feel now,” asked Sir Edwin of Mr. 
Traverse, wdio had through the dinner hour been con- 
Tersing with that gentleman in regard to his proposed 
trip to Europe. 

“Thanks; I feel splendid after luncheon; I have eaten 
heartily, because I am in the mountain I suppose; some- 
thing 1 never did before. Or, beg pardon. Sir Edwin, I 
once remember of such a scene as this, when I wns visit- 
ing the Hot Sulphur Springs in Madison County, North 
Carolina. During my stay there a party of Southern gen- 
tlemen and myself went out on a hunting expedition and 
sj)ent two days in the mountains; only, we had no ladies 
along. Of course, that makes quite a difference. We 
killed enough game to supply us with provision, and in 
■due season returned home to the springs, highly delighted 
with our trip in the mountains. While there we saw what 
was supposed to have been the ‘Wild Man,’ that you 
probably read of a few years ago in the columns of the 
Ealeigh Observer. But we did not venture near enough to 
make sure it was him; so most of the boys, as well as 
myself, came to the conclusion that it was merely a dream 
or an optical illusion.” 

“We will have something to drink after that, Mr. Tra- 
verse. You are the most wonderful fellow I have had the 
pleasure of meeting, for a good anecdote, i^ou cannot 
be beaten,” laughed Sir Edwin, 


54 


ANCILLA DE 310NTES, 


“ That’s really good,” rejoined the ladies. ‘‘ Capital,^ 
said the rest. 

^^It’s really too bad, don’t you know, ladies,” said the 
Marquis, ‘'that Mrs. DeMontes did not favor us with her 
company; she would have enjoyed it so.” 

“Oh, yes, she surely would, ” giggled Mrs. Busybody; 
“she was complaining of feeling unwell, and could not 
possibly hold out to accomplish the journey.” 

“ Oh, ” replied Sir Edwin, “If any of her favorites — 
old Squire Tattler, Tangletongue, or Paramour — had ac- 
companied us, no doubt she would have been too glad to 
come also. 

Luke Southern had by this time furnished the gentle- 
men with “Cliquot, ” and was passing around the iced 
claret to the ladies, who had refused champagne; although, 
at the request of the Marquis, the Blonde complied 
with that individual’s desire, and partook freely of Cliquot 
on several occasions. 

The gentlemen by this time began to feel happy from 
the effects of the sparkling beverage, and it was proposed 
by Sir Edwin, seconded by the ladies, that Mr. Eodesta. 
would favor the party withjiis celebrated song, “Ruby.” 

After the rendition, Mr. Rodesta was highly compli- 
mented by the entire party on his proficiency as a musical 
genius. Song followed song, and the wine flowed freely 
and happiness prevailed. Mrs. Busybody was next called 
upon to exhibit her vocal powers, but, as usual, begged to 
be excused on account of a slight indisposition. 

“ Well, I know that Lady Primrose will favor us. We. 
all know that, as a musician, she is unsurpassed, ” said Sir 
Edwin. 

“I shall be only too glad to do so,” said Lady Primrose, 
“providing the Marquis will assist me in the duet, “What 
are the Wild Waves saying?” 


OB, ONE SUMMER, 


65 


After a little persuasion, the Marquis finally consented,, 
and rapturous applause followed the dnet. 

‘‘By the way, please serve the wine around, Mr. 
Southern,” said Sir Edwin; am getting as dry as a. 
clam at low water, and am of the opinion that the rest are 
not much better. ” 

Again the poj)ping of corks was heard, making the, 
canons re-echo^with the clinking of glasses, as toast after 
toast was dmnk and responded to by the mery wine bib- 
bers; and had not the sparkling beverage been exhausted,, 
the whole set, with the exception of Southern and his 
friend (who never partook), would have had to have been 
convej^ed back to the Grand on litters, or some other rude 
conveyance, as pack-mules could not be obtained at that 
time for the purpose. 


CHAPTEE XIII. 

Twilight was fast fading, and the evening shadows were 
gathering, long before our party started homeward. Tlie 
full moon Vv’as rising gradually above the mountain tops, 
lighting the way of our pleasure seekers. 

As they jogged along, Mrs. Busybody requested Mr. 
Southern to sing a song to enliven the crowd. 

Yes, do,” insisted the Blonde; ‘^give us one of your 
favorite plant^jtion songs. You can sing them to perfec- 
tion.” 

The entire party expressing the same wish, the gentle- 
man favored them with ‘‘Slavery Days,” which was rap- 
turously encored, and, amidst cries of more, he started,, 
and finished, with excellent effect, the song entitled, 
“lam Going from the Cotton Fields,” which rang out 
miisically on the evening air. 


56 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


Shortly after the party reached the Grand Pacific 
Hotel. The hour was late, and most of the remaining 
guests who were not fortunate enough to receive an in- 
vitation to the raml3le had retired. The gentlemen in 
charge of the ladies ushered them uj^ stairs to their 
rooms, and bidding them good night, separated, and 
went beloAV to the billiard hall, where some proposed 
seven-up for the drinks, while others played pin-pool 
nearly all night. Before the morning broke, however, 
Southern called upon Captain Darrell and a bystander 
to assist him in getting the now happy Marquis up 
stairs to his sleeping quarters, he being comparatively 
dead (dead drunk, I mean). Anotlier gentleman (Mr 
Scribe) was unfortunate enough to fall down stairs and 
sprain his ankle, his condition being no improvement 
on that of the Marquis. The fall and the hubbub thus 
created awoke several of the guests, who, rushing from 
their chambers to the scene of the accident, were sur- 
prised to find a gentleman of his standing in society in 
such a condition. Among the alarmed inmates of the 
house were Ancilla DeMontes, who, rushing from her 
chamber door, and supposing it to have been old Squire 
Tattler who was injured, evinced the greatest anxiety 
and alarm. Forgetting that she was en deshahille, she 
rushed to the grand stair-case, exclaiming in alarm: 
‘^Who is injured? Do tell me?” 

Eeally, madam, I cannot inform you,” replied a guest 
of the house. 

^^Oh, my! it is Mr. Scribe, poor fellow. Is he badly 
hurt?” she asked, as she stood looking down over the 
balustrade. 

^^No, Ancilla, ’’hastily responded Luke Southern; ''not 
badly hurt. He will be all right by morning, I sup- 
pose. He is only on a jamboree. ” 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


57 


‘‘Yes; we will put liim to becl,”sa:d Dick Darrell, 
iissisting Southern to raise the fallen Scribe. 

On examination it was found that he had a slight cut 
on the head, from which the blood trickled slowly down 
his pale cheeks. 

“Oh,” said Luke, smiling, “it can’t be dangerous, as 
it is ^only a flesh wound.” 

“Let him soak his head,” remarked a bystander, 
which raised the ire of the wounded Scribe, and caused 
considerable merriment amongst the guests. 

He was carried to his room, a physician in the mean- 
time haying been summoned, who prescribed for him, 
and advising his self-appointed nurse, Ancilla DeMontes 
(who had donned her attire), to bathe the injured head 
in cold water, after which to make periodical applica- 
tions of Mexican mustang linament until the pain sub- 
sided. 

“Poor fellow! Ydiat a -pitj for the Scribe to abuse 
himself so!” 

But the patient, who was unconscious, and slumbering 
in the paradise of champagne, mixed with mint juleps 
and gin cocktails, did not realize the sympathy expressed 
for him by the tender-hearted Ancilla who, throughout 
the night, maintained her watch with patience and res- 
ignation. But she was thoroughly disgusted about day- 
light to see her patieut hop from his bed and go limping 
down stairs, in order, as he said, to procure a cocktail 
from Luke Southern at the bar. 

It was a long time afterwards before any more Frozen 
Lake picnic parties were proposed, although the Scribe 
was soon as jolly as ever with the boys. 

So ends this remarkable trip to the Frozen Lake. 


£8 


ANOILLA DE MONTES, 


CHAPTER XIV. 

What’s the topics this eyening, Mr: Eulstrod?” ashed 
the Scribe of that gentleman. 

Ah! there’s the banquet to Mr. St. Barbe. A great 
affair ’twill be, I am led to believe. You have a card^ 
have you not? ” 

St. Barbe was a contractor, and very popular among the 
different classes of men; shrewvl in all details of his 
business, and his own counsellor in all things; quiet and 
unassuming in his demeanor, and affable to all. He was 
aboiit to sever his connection with the public works. 
His friends were loth to part with him. Cards were then 
issued for a party of his own who vrere to meet him at 
the Grand Pacific and banquet him there. At eight 
o’clock the guests assembled in the dining-hall, which 
was very tastefully decorated in evergreen bunting and 
the like. One long table extended the full length of 
the hall, laid in a most elegant manner. Floral decora- 
tions w^ere many, the plate costly«and the menu sufficient. 
The wines w^ere of the best quality, and the Burgundy 
from the oldest cellar in the country. A banquet with- 
out ladies is always an informal affair. It lacks the re- 
finement of conversation. Men wull alwaj^s be somewhat 
coarser in their talk when the ladies are absent, and so 
it was here. The talk at the table chiefly consisted of 
railroads, engineering, difficulties to be contended with in 
running lines througJi a mountainous country, and about 
horses and horse races and billiards; all interesting enough 
in their w^aj", but terribly monotonous wdien carried on for 
any length of time. The dinner was over, the cloth re- 
moved, and the desert was rang for. The sparkling wines 
were enlivening them, and merriment and good humor 
prevailed. Toasts and speeches were next in order. 


OB, ONE SUMMER. 


59 


Mr. St. Barbe was called upon to deliver tlie opening 
speech, which was, as nearly as possible, as follow^s : 

‘'My Friends: It is with great pleasure that I express, 
to-night, my feelings toward you. This night we have 
assembled together — to-morrow we part. I carry away 
wdth me many kind recollections of you all. You have 
done me an honor this evening, and I will cherish always 
the many good times we have had together. We have 
met repeatedly in the mountains, in the valleys, on the 
public works, and, in fact, almost everywhere. I am 
bound to say to you that I has^e never met a more jolly set 
of good-natured fellows in all my life, and that is saying 
a great deal. It is not my intention of making a long 
speech, for I am not capable of doing so. At all events, 
I must make room for my friend Mr. Grubshanks,. 
who wishes to respond to the toast, ‘The Ladies.’ Mr. 
Grubshanks, we call upon you.” 

“Gentlemen assembled: My friend, Mr. St. Barbe,. 
who has just sat down, must be a good reader of thought. 
How he managed to make out that I was thinking of 
of the ladies is more than I possibly can conceive. Nev- 
ertheless, I have been told that I w^as a ladies’ man. 
Of course, I am fond of the gentle sex, and who would 
not be sensible to those charms which infatuate a man’s 
heart?” 

“ Hear! hear! ” responded the Marquis, who w^as now 
pretty full of Cliquot. “Ever in love, Grubshanks? ” 
“Now, Marquis, I am nearing the meridian of life, and 
have not yet lost my heart, and perhaps never will; yet 
it is impossible for one to tell; can’t do it, you know.” 

“xHi, yes; deuced hard to manage it, don’t you know,” 
said the Marquis. “What about New^ York and those 
beauties of Fifth Avenue. Don’t you remember that cer- 
tain young lady who came from London; wFj-, don’t you 
know. New York w^as half wild over her charming 
beauty?” 


^0 


ANCILLA BE MONTES, 


‘‘Ah! yes,” responded Grubslianks; “I have often 
seen her at Wallack’s. She is a daisy, and don’t you 
forget it. Yes, and that d — d Freddie Gebhardt was 
the solid dude. ” 

“You were, then, in New York at that time, were you. 
Marquis?’ ’ 

“ Oh, yes ; I was just out from England, and, don’t you 
know, was on my way to Ottawa ; but, d — n it all, Mrs. 
Langtry took my fancy; and do you knov", I hung around 
days and days hoj)ing to catch a view of her, but that 
cl — d Freddie was always around. Why, d — n it all, 
Grubslianks, I spent the whole of a quarter’s remittance 
irom England on her for flowers — sent them up to her 
rooms at the Brevoort House. Sometimes she accepted 
them, and sometimes she rejected them.” 

“But, then. Marquis, did she know that it vcas your 
gift ?’ ’ asked Mr. St. Barbe. 

“Oh, yes, most decidedly. Don’t you know, ” con- 
tinued the Marquis, “ I always attached my card to the 
silver holder. Yes, by G — ; solid silver holder, and she 
would send it back. Why,” continued the excited Mar- 
quis, “ I afterwards threw at her feet on the boards which 
would cost a most fabulous tigure. Yes, and all to no 
purpose. I left New York disgusted. I could never 
manage to interview her, or lay before her feet my hand 
and my fortune. She never gave me the opportunity; and 
now, gentlemen, this ends my love story.” 

“Dear me. Marquis, but it seems sad. Think of the 
income, always think of that, when you feel disposed to 
fall in love, ” said Mr. Bulstrode. “Flowers, bon-bons, 
jewelry and the like, are indispensable articles to one in 
courtship), and yet it takes money to buy them.” 

“Of course,” said Sir Edwdn ; “New York, particu- 
larly, is rather an expensive trysting place for an enamored 
swain. Still, the Park is handy, and it don’t cost much 
to court there.” 


OR, OXE SUMMER. 


et 


Mr. Macswain was anxious to know about tlie horse 
races, and conversation now changed to that subject. 

‘‘I believe the Ascott races were run yesterday; but no 
particulars have yet arrived. I am led to believe that 
Vanderbilt’s ‘‘Maud S” figured pretty w^ell on the turf,, 
indeed quite ahead of anything. ” 

“We shall have the official report to-morrow, and until 
then let us drop the subject. And do you know that 
Schaefer has beatmi Vigneaux at the back-line game ? I 
really believe that Slosson can beat either one of them. 
It takes a pretty good one to run 200 points.” 

“Young Wallace is rising fast,” said Mr. Clifton, “and 
will make a mark in the billiard world. I saw him play 
at the Brunswick and Balke parlors in Chicago, and I 
must confess his play was admirable. He was, however, 
defeated by Dion, only by a few points.” 

“ What are Maurice Vigneaux’ s strong features in the 
game?” asked the Scribe of Mr. Clifton. 

“ The Frenchman is good at nursing the ivories, and 
he seldom fails to keep them together. He is always good 
at following the rail. His play is excellent, and is seldom 
defeated.” 

The waiter, at this juncture, approached and said:, 
“IVo gentlemen have just arrived by steamer and sent in 
their cards.” 

“Why, its Templeton and Carew; they have just re- 
turned from Washington, and will be replete with news 
from the Capitol. Send them in immediately.” 

“Ah, good evening, gentlemen.” 

Everyone seemed glad to see the returned politicians. 

“How are you, Templeton? How do, Carew? 
How is the Capitol ? Just in time. Have some Cliquot ? 
’Tis first-class — some of Manager Southern’s best. He 
has been good to us ; but he is so deuced busy, that he 
can’t come in till late. He will be here, now, in a short 
time.” ! 


€2 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


Sir Edwin w^as delighted to have some fresh New York 
news, and Templeton was the man to furnish it. He took 
him aside, and imparted something which was very pleas- 
ing to that gentleman. 

move that Mr. Carew give us the latest Republican 
items from New York,” said Mr. Clifton: seconded by 
Mr. Luke Southern, who had just entered. 

am always glad to hear good of my party, which is 
Republican. I w^as, previous to the nomination of Mr. 
Garfield, a staunch Democrat; but I am glad I made the 
change. My motto now is, True to friends (which are 
the Republicans), and square with enemies (which are 
the Zulus, or the Democrats).” 

Mr. Carew arose at the request, and said: 

Gentlemen : My trip to Washington has been a very 
pleasant one. I have combined pleasure with business, 
and I am glad to say the Republican feeling is a strong 
one, and I am confident that victory will crown our 
united etforts. The Blaine ticket is solid, and the 
Blaine men are in the best of spirits. The South is, 
I am sorry to say, not in accordance with the North, on 
this ticket. The Democratic feeling is prevalent ; but, 
gentlemen, what of that? We, the Republicans, are 
bound to win, and we shall be victorious.” (Applause). 
I was fortunate enough to spend a few days in New York, 
and, with my friend Templeton, called upon several of the 
most prominent Rej)ublican merchants, bankers and 
brokers. They are all confident of Blaine’s inauguration, 
and speak well of Arthur’s administration; but, yet, a 
change, after all would be acceptable to them, as well as 
ourselves.” (Hear, hear). 

Mr. Templeton was called upon to address the assem- 
bly; but that gentleman, however, intimated that his visit 
to the East w^as more of a private nature, although he was 
happy to say that, in compauy with Mr. Carew, he took 


Oi?, ONE SUMMER. 


63 


an active part in reviewing the feelings of the people on 
the late nominations, and was pleased to note the marked 
progress of the Eepublican party in favor of the Plumed 
Knight. It was that gentleman’s opinion the next Presi- 
dent of the United States would be J. G. Blaine. 

An hour further was spent in political argument, the 
opera, books, music, and other interesting topics, when 
the party broke up, singing — 

“ For he’s a jolly good-fellow.” 


CHAPTEE XV. 

When it became known to the guests that Lady Prim- 
rose was to leave with the morning’ s early boat, many 
were the lamentations of the gentlemen, but more parti- 
cularly on the part of the Marquis, who was nearly 
broken up ” by the event. Leggins was actually tear- 
ful, and Templeton -was engaged in wiping away the briny 
drops from the eyes of the Scribe. Poor fellows! poor 
fellows ! 

The Marquis, after bidding adieu and waving his hand- 
kerchief to the Blonde on the promenade deck, was carried 
to his room in an exhausted condition, and kept there for 
three days. General debility was the doctor’s decision. 
However, the invalids improved rapidly, and things went 
on as usual, until one afternoon it was reported that the 
Marquis contemplated h trip abroad, but no one could 
draw him out as to where his journey would terminate. 
Feminine persuasion was of no use, as that gentleman 
was firm. 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


6i 


Soutliern Wcis also going below to rusticate in the city. 
Some said it was for the avowed purpose of marriage to 
one of the belles of the metropolis, but nothing could bo 
gleaned from him ; nothing positive could, therefore, be 
asserted in regard to it. 

By letter, a few days afterwards, it was intimated that 
Luke Southern arrived safely, and was enjoying himself 
immensely. Eumor had it that he had an heiress in tow,, 
and was bringing things to a crisis, and that Mr. and 
Mrs. Southern might be expected in any day, by 

steamer. 

Mr. Templeton had just received a letter by the morn- 
ing’s post, to the effect that his friend Southern was not 
going to marry, but that he had made a favorable impres- 
sion on one of the belles, an heiie ;s of many- thousands, 
which was a fact ; and of course the news was beheved, 
upon such good authority. 

xV week had slipped by, and still no Southern. 

‘‘What could possibly have become of him,” asked 
Ancilla DeMontes of Mrs. Busybody; “surely he could 
not have married and be on his wedding tour?” 

“ Of course, not,” said Mrs. Busybody. “Templeton 
would have heard of it, and he would surely have told 
us about it. ” 

The morning train brought back Luke Southern, but no 
wife. He was looking much better for his holiday, and 
was highly pleased wuth his reception at home. Ancilla 
v/as in ecstacies. 

‘ ‘ My dear Luke, ’ ’ she said, ‘ ‘ I am so glad to see you 
back again. Don’t you know I have been really lone- 
some without you. What did you bring me ? ” 

“ This,” as he slipped upon her finger an elegant em- 
erald and pearl ring. 

“Oh, what a beauty!” she exclaimed. “You dear 
fellow, let me kiss you; you deserve a thousand. And 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


65 


did you have a nice time? Did yon engage yourself to 
the heiress ? ’ ’ 

“ What a host of questions. I will answer them, only 
let me have breathing time,” and Luke sat down on a 
rocker, apparently much fatigued. ‘‘I’m tired,” he ex- 
claimed; “ have you a glass of water near? ” 

“I’ll get you one in a minute. Did you see the Mar- 
quis ? He left by the boat. He was to travel abroad.” 

“ Oh, yes; I met him below. He inquired particularly 
about you and all up here. He seemed lonesome. I fear 
he still thinks of Lady Primrose. Perhaps he intends 
following her. I would not be at all surprised to hear of 
it; would you?” 

“ No; I would not,” said Ancilla. “I always thought 
he was taken up with her. Indeed, he seemed to be very 
fond of her; but she never thought anything of him. She 
evidently doted more on the locket that he gave her than 
upon himself. ” 

“Quite so. There were other gentlemen in the hotel 
she thought a great deal more of, Ancilla,” continued 
Luke. “By the way, I, received a letter from the East by 
to-day’s mail to the effect that several of my friends are 
coming to the Coast and will remain with me. You will 
like them, and I am sure you’ll get along famously with 
them. I am glad they are coming, as the journey will 
greatly interest them. Miss Eudder is an interesting 
young lady of about eighteen, and is my cousin. Mr. 
Sails, who has the charge of her in traveling, and her 
companion, and they will be accompanied by Hugh Dav- 
enport. They will arrive by the 20th. I will, if possible, 
meet them in the city and bring them up. You will, I 
know, be good to them until they become used to the 
country. I may not have another opportunity of speaking 
with you on this subject, and Avould consider it a great 
favor on your part to deal with them as you would with 


€6 


ANCILLA BE MONTES, 


mjself . I am deeply interested in your welfare, my dear 
Ancilla, and would do my utmost for you. Depend upon 
me, then, for anything you desire. My services are at 
your command. Adieu! I must go to luncheon, as I 
am almost famished, having had nothing to eat since 
morning. Afterwards, I will take a nap, as I’m tired and 
sleepy.’ ’ 


CHAPTEE XVI. 

It was in the afternoon of a warm, sunny day, near the 
close of September, when, much to the surprise and con- 
sternation of a number of people who were assembled in 
the billiard hall of the Grand Pacific Hotel to witness a 
scientific and interesting game of pool, the sudden appear- 
ance of a young gentleman wearing the uniform of an Am- 
erican officer, bearing upon his shoulders epaulets ranking 
him as first lieutenant on the staff. Walking directly to 
the clerk of the house, he asked for accommodations for 
the night. 

will see, sir,” said the clerk, as he searched the 
book to ascertain if there were any rooms vacant. 

Owing to an extra rush of transient custom in the way 
of tourists and commercial travelers, the house was filled 
to its utmost capacity, but by placing a bed in an up- 
stair parlor he was accommodated to his satisfaction, 
the clerk at the same time assuring him tliat every atr 
tention would be paid for his comfort while stopping 
at the hotel. 

The Lieutenant was about to be seated when Luke 
Southern, the manager of the house, appeared, and, step- 


OB, ONE SUMMER. 


67 


ping forward, extended liis hand in welcome, to the 
newly arrived stranger, and in his usual off-hand way 
politely said : 

‘^Come and have a drink. What shall it be, sirr” 

^'Thanks; don’t care if I do. Brandy and ice, 
please.” 

^^Mine is a glass of ale,” said Luke. 

^'My regards; drink hearty, sir.” 

After they had drank. Manager Southern politely re- 
quested the gentleman to register, placing the' book be- 
fore him, in which he inscribed as follows : 

‘'John S. Maxlory, Lieut. U. S. A., 

“ Fortress Monroe, 

“Virginia.” 

“ I see you are from the Sunny South,” said Manager 
Southern, as the Lieutenant laid down the pen and moved 
away from the register. “Come this way. Lieutenant, 
and be seated,” said Luke, as he politely placed a chair 
for that gentleman. After both were seated, a general 
conversation ensued. 

“It so happens, ” said Luke, “that I am from Nor- 
folk, Virginia, and I shall be pleased to learn any news 
of interest you may kindly furnish me with. It takes 
me somewhat by surprise to meet a Virginian in this 
part of the world.’ ’ 

“I was born at Hampton, near Fortress Monroe, but 
it has been some time now since I was in Virginia. A 
few years ago I was stationed at Fortress Monroe. That 
was my post until I was ordered out with Gen. Miles 
to the Western frontier. Since then I have been re- 
moved, and am now in company with General Sherman, 
who is at present at H., and is expected up by a spe- 
cial train to-morrow. 

“I suppose you have visited the hotel at Old Point, 
that famous and favorite watering place for Southerners, 
while you were in the South?” 


68 


ANGILLA BE MONTES, 


‘^I should say so; many a time. It is an excellent 
watering place, and one can find pleasure-seekers there 
from all parts of the South during the Summer months, 
who spend their time in yachting, fishing, and other 
amusements pertaining to such places; and all express 
themselves highly delighted with what is to be found 
there. The society is always the best, and the accom- 
modations are first-class. ” 

am better acquainted with Hampton Eoads than 
any other spot on Chesapeake Bay. ’Tis said to be the 
finest anchorage ground in the world. I have seen ship- 
ping so numerous there that the masts resembled the 
leafiess trees of the forest. On a stormy day, with 
the wind from the eastward, you may see vessels of 
all descriptions reefed down underdose canvass, perhaps^ 
or bare poles, scudding before the wind as they enter 
the bay between the Capes of Virginia in search of shel- 
ter. Or, on other occasions, they would remain moored, 
wind-bound, until the favorable opportunity offered for 
proceeding to sea. Previous to coming to this country, I 
was the engineer of a steam-tug engaged in towing mud- 
dumpers. A Baltimore dredging company had been 
awarded by the Government a contract for dredgingrthe 
channel extending from opposite Sewel’s Point to Crany 
Island Light, and that was the last position I held and 
the last work I performed in Virginia. Since my arrival 
in this country I have never worked in the capacity of an 
engineer, although I have had several offers, which I res- 
pectfully declined, as most decidedly I prefer the hotel 
business. ” 

‘‘But,” said the Lieutenant, laughingly, “I suppose 
you have all you can do sometimes to prevent the stiffs I 
see around the corners from running the castle? ” 

“ Yes, ” replied Luke, smiling, “and sometimes they 
make things so hot for me, and get so noisy and boister- 
that it requires the services of a professional bouncer, who 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


69 


is always in readiness; though sometimes, in tackling a 
big brute, we get left, and have to send for a squad of’ 
police, who generally succeed in marching him off to the 
calaboose, where he is comfortably accommodated until 
he regains his senses.” 

^^That is the best remedy I know of to sober them up,” 
said the Lieutenant.” 

No, ’'said Luke; ^Hhe best thing they can do with 
such characters is to give them twenty-four hours to leave 
town, and if that does not produce the desired effect, let 
them take up their Winter quarters in the lockup at the 
expense of the Government instead of being permitted to 
become such a nuisance to the town, for they are no good 
to themselves or anyone else.” 

‘‘This country,” said the Lieutenant, is nothing to com- 
pare with Mexico or Arizona. It is an everyday occurrence 
for a man to get shot down there in a barroom melee, and 
it’ s thought nothing of. He is generally carried off to 
Potters’ Field and numbered with those of names un- 
known.” 

“I should think,” said Southern, “that the American 
Government would not permit such depredations to con- 
tinue, but at once put a stop to it. They seem rather 
slow in promoting the interest of the people in that sec- 
tion of the country. Only a short time since, while 
glancing over the columns of a Western journal, I noticed 
an account of the massacre of several American families 
living near the border line separating Arizona and New 
Mexico, by one of the bands of Mexican brigands infest- 
ing that section of the country, who, under the cover of 
darkness, murder harmless men and defenceless women 
and children, merely for what plunder they can secure. 
I maintain that no such thing should exist, and that 
Uncle Sam should make these cut-throats suffer for such 
work. ” 


70 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


I dare say this is all true,” said the Lieutenant. ‘‘The 
United States is a very peaceful nation, and is rather slo’vr 
in mending matters. The American eagle, however, when 
it swoops down on the enemies of the Government (the 
law-breakers) wipes them out at short notice.” 

“ The authorities of the United States, in the first place,. 
should by all means protect her subjects,” said Luke, 

‘ ‘ and not allow such affairs to go on any longer without 
some notice being taken of the way matters are carried on 
along the border.” 

“ They are just beginning to realize the situation,” said 
the Lieutenant, “and I hope and believe that those that 
deserve punishment will be brought to justice, and swing^ 
for the crimes they have committed at an early day. ” 

The subject then changed, as the Lieutenant lit a fresh 
cigar, and again drifted back on old Virginia. 

“You are well posted around Norfolk,” I presume,” 
said Luke. 

“Yes; I should say so. Whenl was stationed at For- 
tress Monroe my business called me to that city regularly 
once a week.” 

“ Then, since you are no stranger there, you will know 
of the places to which I refer. No doubt you have been 
down on Church street, and have dropped into Tooker’s^^ 
Varieties, Norfolk’s palace of pleasure?” 

“ Yes, ” replied the Lieutenant. “That’s the place 
where you can see all the fun you wish for the small sum 
'of three nickles, and a drink or a cigar thrown in.’ ’ 

“Yes, ” said Luke; “If you wish to meet with merch- 
ants, mechanics, or any persons connected with the differ- 
ent branches of business in the city, walk into Looker’s^, 
and there you are likely to find them. It is also a great 
resort for steamboat men. You can drop in almost any 
time, after the doors open for the evening’s performance, 
and you wiil find anjdhing, from a cook to a captain.” , 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


71 


‘‘And a free fight, too, which is of common occur- 
rence,” said the Lieutenant. One night I was 
there, and a dispute arose among a lot of drunken 
sailors and marines. I did not enquire into the 
cause. They had it hot and heavy, until the police were 
called into requisition. They soon put a stop to the 
disturbance, and arrested those who were engaged in the 
pugilistic struggle, and marched them off to the station- 
house to spend the remainder of the night in durance 
vile, and await their trial in the morning before the 
Mayor.” 

“Do you know -where Campbell’s dock is?” asked 
Southern. 

“Yes; mighty well, indeed.” 

“ It was there I used to repair when I wanted a square 
meal of Lynhaven oysters on the half-shell, which I must 
say I generally enjoyed.” Luke then went on to say: 
“That corner at the head of the dock is a notorious 
hang-out in the summer time for steamboat men. It is. 
called ‘ O’Connor’s Corner;’ but it is better known in th e 
city as the ‘Bummers’ Eetreat.’ This name, perhap s, 
originated from the great number of idle steamboat men 
that could be seen congregated around this celebrated 
spot. Several out of employment would console them- 
selves in walking leisurely up and down, ‘ pressing bri ck 
with shoe-leather, ’ while others would be sitting near by 
3n a dry-goods box, smoking their pipes or chewing thei r 
quids of tobacco. In consequence of an over supply of 
steamboatmen, being about (as near as I can judge) four 
crews of men to each tug-boat in the harbor, they had to 
await their turn for employment. Many had been out a 
a job for several months at a time, and were loafing about 
from one dock to another, awaiting the possibility of good 
luck (or a turn in the tide) in order to secure a berth of 
some kind on a tug-boat, let it be anything from a cook 


72 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


up to a captain’s position, as the case might be. Some 
holding berths would, perhaps, be unfortunate enough to 
meet with mishaps, that might not amount to much, but, 
nevertheless, were sufficient to displease the owners of 
the boats, and resulting in their being discharged, much 
to their own regret, but joy to the grinning individual 
who superseded them. On such important occasions as 
these it was almost a universal matter of fact, as well as 
customary, for the new captain to select his own crew. Of 
course it was an understood thing among the old hands to 
pack up their Saratogas, which generally consisted of a 
canvas bag, and get ashore as quickly as possible. E very- 
time a tug changes commanders, it is a signal for the 
crew to strike out and look for new pastures, or try the 
tramp for a while on ^Bummers’ Corner,” until another 
change is made in their favor. I have heard of several 
complaining of hard times, and being in an almost desti- 
tute condition, in consequence of having lain idle so 
long; yet, to tell the truth, they could afford to wear fine 
navy-blue suits, boiled shirts with piccadilly collars, 
diamond pins and rings, etc. It was a mystery where the 
wealth came from to pay for this finery. As a usual thing, 
tug-boat men, nine out of ten, are dead-broke. I venture to 
speak this from experience, having been there myself. I 
was not, as you may infer from my conversation, a fre- 
quenter of ‘Loafers’ Corner,’ as I became ashamed of the 
frequenters of the place and kept away. It would fairly 
amuse a stranger arriving in the city if he chanced to 
pass that way, as there one might see enough to convulse 
him with laughter. I will describe a scene that occurred 
one day on the noted corner. It was a conversation that 
took place on the subject of marine engineering. A 
group of tug-boat men had collected around two interest- 
ing individuals to listen and take items. By their man- 
ner of speech it was evident that both were not first-class 


OE, ONE SUMMER. 


73 


firemen. They pretended to be trustworthy and com- 
petent, although they had much to learn about machin- 
ery. The controversy began with : 

say, Tom, you don’t know the first rudiments of 
engineering. Why, I heard of the fix you got into the 
other day up the river. You broke the head motion 
eccentric, and did not have brains enough to take and 
reverse the other one, but was compelled to be towed in, 
at the cost of your ignorance and expense of the tug’s 
owner. The best thing you can do is to return to your 
late position as a coal-passer. It would suit you better, 
than trying to expose yourself in the presence of the 
public. ’ 

‘Bill Hatfield, you must have reference to yourself, 
when you speak of ignorance. I will expose you before 
the crowd. You fired for Gus Chadwick on that old 
stern-wheeler, Lottie, and I will venture to say you never 
did a single day’s w^ork in the machine-shop, and you had 
your license revoked and taken away by the Inspector of 
steam-vessels, for burning up a crown sheet; and it is 
doubtful whether they will ever return them to you, unless 
some of your influential friends, if you have any, will 
intercede in your behalf and get it restored to you. ’ 

‘ “ You are going too far, Tom Webers. The license is 
still in my possession, and I deny your remarks in full. 
I’ll bet you two to one, in the presence of these gentle- 
men, that you cannot designate the difference between a 
Kingston valve and a universal coupling. ’ 

‘ ‘ ‘ Bill Hatfield, I don’t pretend to know anything 
about low pressure ; but if it was thoroughly tested, per- 
haps I could answer as many questions as you, and pass 
better examinations and produce and hold a finer certifi- 
cate, for I have forgotten more than you will ever know 
about an engine. What would you do if the condenser 
got hot and you could not produce a proper vacuum.’ 


74 


ANCILLA BE MONTES, 


‘‘ ‘ I should throw in a stream of water by means of the 
jet and flood the condenser, and afterwards open the dis- 
charge pipe and let the water escape out-board in order 
to do no harm.’ 

‘^^Good; that’s correct. Now, I will put a question to 
you. Suppose, for instance, the steamer was going along 
with the pumps in excellent order, and you were satisfled 
that they were delivering water into the boiler, but the 
gauge-cocks indicated that the water did not increase in 
the boiler, what would you do ? ’ 

< Why, that is readily answered. I should step outside 
and look overboard to see if the river had gone dry. ’ 

‘ Good, ” exclaimed the party ‘ You are beaten at 
last, and will have to surrender to Hatfield. He is the 
solid man. ’ 

The Lieutenant, Avho had remained silent for some time 
in order to hear Luke’s story, which no doubt interested 
him, requested Mr. Southern to go on with another. 

‘^Well,” said Luke, to please you, if possible, I will 
do so. Among the class of boatmen, which I designate from 
the more skillful pilots, I shall term them fresh-water cap- 
tains. What I call a fresh-water pilot is a man who has 
no practical knowledge of running a boat only in daylight, 
and is in danger of losing the craft if the weather should 
set in stormy and foggy, and thereby prevent the said cap- 
tain from making a harbor. Such men would do well 
enough through the canals and up creeks, but outside of 
that they would probably be puzzled and at a loss to know 
the north from the south, for many, as yet, know not how 
to box the compass. Near by would be two pilots blaz- 
ing away at each other and spitting out their chin-music 
in the most obnoxious manner, and those passing along the 
street would have to stop and listen to these talkative in- 
dividuals. 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


75 


‘I say, Tom, Captain Gosling has lost his license/ 
one would say. 

‘^‘Yes; that’s a develish bad business. Isn’t it too 
bad that he is pronounced color-blind? ’ 

‘ I don’t know how it will come out with me.’ 

‘‘‘Well, as for myself, I was up to the Custom-house 
yesterday and passed all right and obtained a certifi- 
cate. ’ 

“‘Well, that color-blind business is playing the deuce 
with the majority of steamboatmen, and several are com- 
plaining of losing their licences; but I don’t think it right 
to issue a certificate to any one who cannot distinguish 
one color from another. They are not capable of com- 
manding a steamboat, and would do better driving mules 
on a tow-path. ’ 

“Then that style argument would cease for a time, only 
to be followed shortly afterwards by some fresh-water 
pilot stopping a tug-boat owner in the street with such 
language as this : 

“ ‘ Sir, I am told you want a pilot to take command of 
your tug. ’ 

“‘Yes, I would like very much to employ an honest 
and competent man who would guarantee to keep sober 
and do his duty well. ’ 

‘“Well, sir, I promise all that, and will faithfully dis- 
charge my duty to the best of my knowledge and ability.’ 

“The position would be granted, and on the first day 
after taking command he would show himself under the 
influence of liquor. He would be presented with his walk- 
ing papers, of course, and go sadly ashore to make room 
for some more fortunate fellow.” 

“A few years ago I happened to be strolling about the 
wharves of a Southern seaport, and I was very much 
amused at overhearing a conversation between a lower- 
class tug-boat captain and an owner. The would-be cap- 


76 


ANCILLA BE MONTES, 


tain was pointing out the difficulties of navigation, and 
wearing out the patience of the old gentleman, who was 
anxious to get away. However, the fellow delayed him, 
and compelled him to listen to a rigmarole somewhat like 
this: 

‘Did you hear the latest news ? ’ 

“‘No.’ 

“ ‘It’s bad enough, I can assure you. A steamer lately 
arriving reports that your captain ran your tug-boat ashore 
early this morning, and she lies high and dry on the Ni- 
caraugua Bar, and is in danger of breaking in halves. Why, 
that fellow knows nothing about steamboating, and 
only holds cheap papers. You are doing yourself injus- 
tice to employ such characters, and thus risk your valu- 
able property. You are liable to require the services of 
the wrecking company if you keep that fellow much 
longer.’ ” 

“A person at a moment’s glance could see that the object 
of the party speaking was to undermine his fellow boatman, 
which is a customary thing among the pilots in that local- 
ity, and if possible get on the right side of the owner in 
order to get command of the tug-boat himself at the first 
favorable opportunity, even at the expense of some one 
else. Perhaps, if such equivocators were to pass an ex- 
amination before a board of inspectors they would fail in 
the questions put to them. These freshwater pilots could 
not find their way across the harbor in a fog or when night 
sets in. In that case they would decide to tie up the 
steamer alongside the canal bank and give all hands a 
chance to turn into their bunks. This is what I call a 
good description of a fresh-water pilot. 

“ To be promoted from a deck-hand to a captain was 
considered a great honor; but the glory of being called 
‘ Captain’ was greater. Those cub-pilots, who were in- 
experienced, would go before the Government physician. 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


77 


pass the color-blind inspection, perhaps, all right, and 
get a certificate to that effect, present it to the local 
inspectors of steamboats, and after going through a slight 
examination, by answering a few* simple and somewhat 
foolish questions, pay fifty cents and get their license, 
rated as third-class pilots. I have heard it remarked 
often that Norfolk beat the world for steamboat men, and 
about every other man you would meet was either a cook,, 
deck-hand, fireman, engineer or a captain. At last such 
captains became so numerous, that it was almost impossi- 
ble for a first-class pilot to procure a position, or even 
hold one any length of time, as others would undermine 
him and work for less pay. 

I once was shipmate with a captain, a rather well- 
disposed fellow, but rather too severe on his men, at least 
I thought so, for I w^as assistant engineer, and my first 
introduction to him was his giving orders to the steward 
to place before me a tin plate to eat from, and repeating 
this several times. One day I hastily snatched up the 
tinware, and overboard it went. This destructive meas- 
ure being continually resorted to, was attended with so 
much expense, that at last the skipper was induced to 
furnish china ware for the whole crew alike. It produced 
the desired effect, I was threatened with a discharge ; but 
it was not carried out, and a short time afterwards we 
became the best of friends. The fellows gave him the 
nickname of ‘ Curley, ’ but never dared to use it in his 
presence. It would have amused you to watch the 
manoeuvers that individual would go through. He would 
pace up and down the deck of the steamer, as bold and 
as independent as an admiral. His uniform was of navy- 
blue, with brass buttons polished brightly, an officer’s 
cap surrounded with a yellow band, patent-leather boots 
of the latest style, and always wearing a boiled shirt with 
a frill, a piccadilly collar and loud neck-tie. He also 


78 


ANCILLA BE MONTES, 


made it an object to conspicuously display the heavy gold 
watch and chain that he carried. This completed his 
make-up. His clothing was of the latest pattern and 
finest texture; but I doubt if they were ever paid for. 
On one occasion he hid himself away for a whole day, 
from the ^ Biddy ’ he was owing a wash bill to. There is 
considerable enjoyment in steamboat life, and I have had 
my share of it. When off duty, I would enliven myself 
with a song, in company of the chief engineer, who 
proved himself more than a friend to me. He is now 
dead, sleeping in peace under the sod in a quiet country 
churchyard in Dele ware. Poor fellow! He often asked 
me to sing his old favorite Southern songs, such as, 

‘ Some day I’ll wander back again,’ or the ‘ Sweet, Sunny 
South.’ We would sometimes sit until midnight, or after, 
when the nights were pleasant and the steamer would be 
gliding peacefully over the beautiful waters of the 
Chowan river. I must say they were the pleasanest 
hours I have ever experienced, and to be with my old 
friend was a pleasure in itself. ” 

The hour was getting late when the Lieutenant and 
Luke separated; the former well pleased, as Southern 
had interested him immensely nearly the whole afternoon 
by his interesting conversation. 

“Well, Mr. Southern,” remarked the former, as they 
separated, “I must say you are nearly Mark Twain’s 
equal. You have the Southern dialect to perfection, and 
your illustrations of steamboat life are unequalled. As 
the gong sounded for supper they separated, the Lieuten- 
ant being ushered into the dining hall by Luke. 

After the Lieutenant had partaken of a hearty supper, 
he was conducted to the parlor, and, meeting Luke, he 
said: “I was on a tour through the South. I had been 
riding all day long on horseback. The road was dry and 
dusty, and the scorching heat of the sun nearly overcame 


Oi?, ONE SUMMER. 


79 


me. It being about noon, and feeling somewhat fatigued 
from my journey, resolved to stop and rest until the cool 
of the evening before proceeding further. Reaching a 
shady grove of oaks I dismounted, and tying my noble 
steed to a sapling, walked off a short distance to explore 
the place, which had been familiar to mo in former days. 
Vast changes had taken place since my last visit. The 
tavern, well known as the Half-way House, situated in the 
midst of a noble grove of oaks that were surrounded by 
the great Dismal Swamp, I could find no trace of, with 
the exception of the ruins of an old chimney. The house, 
which had bravely stood the storms of half a century, 
had long since gone to decay. In former years the tavern 
was a long, narrow, two-story building, and stood on the 
dividing line of two States. Stages, wdth passengers 
going in opposite directions, would halt for accommoda- 
tions. This hotel, situated as it was in such a secluded 
place, was a great resort for clandestine weddings. It 
was here that many a duel took place (called in those days 
‘affairs of honor,’ but considered now as brawls). 
Speaking of duels, a dispute arose between a young Vir- 
ginian lawyer and a prominent politician in North Caro- 
lina, on account of a difference of opinion in regard to 
the color of a lady’s eyes. 

“These two so-called gentlemen met at this lonely 
place to distinguish by lead the difference between grey 
and brown. They met at sunrise; fifteen paces were 
stepped off, and at a signal from a third man they both 
fired. The bloody work was done; the politician fell, 
mortally wounded, and shortly afterwards expired. The 
young lawyer, to avoid arrest, quickly made his departure 
for parts unknown, and has never been heard from since. 
It was thought he went to Spain, but nothing positive was 
ascertained. This was my second visit to the spot where 
this, as well as many other murders, had been committed. 


80 


ANCILLA BE MONTES, 


and a shudder (the memory of the transaction related) 
came over me when I thought of the scene I had wit- 
nessed years before. It was with feelings of relief that 
I mounted my animal and soon left the forsaken place far 
behind. The road I traveled was long and tiresome. 
Beaching the towpath shortly after starting, it was com- 
paratively smooth, following the canal with its clear, 
juniper-colored water that flows from the lake of the great 
Dismal Swamp. The sun had disappeared behind the 
tree-tops, and through an opening in the forest the last 
rays of twilight were fast merging into the shadows of 
night. The mocking-bird had ceased its melodious 
warble, and the plaintive notes of the whippoorwill 
would now and then be heard breaking in on the still 
night-air. The evening was still and beautiful, not even 
the rustling of the tall reeds that grew in the morasses 
near by to disturb my meditations. All was silence and 
loneliness. Now and then the hoot of the night-owl was 
heard. Onward I rode, the moon and stars lighting up 
my lonely way, and before the forepart of the night was 
spent I might be found comfortably quartered in the 
hotel, at a neat and pretty little town called South Mills, 
at the south end of the Dismal Swamp canal. There I 
chanced to meet with an old-time comrade by the name of 
Eespass, whom I had known in former days. I had lost 
sight of him for years, and you cannot imagine the feeling 
of delight I experienced at meeting my old chum, who 
had been in my company out on the Western frontier and 
on the prairies of Texas, when I was Government agent 
in that section of the Union. He seemed very happy to 
meet me, and we had a chat together about old times for 
over an hour, when at last he proposed that I should ac- 
company him to a negro dance, some few miles in the 
country. Although being somewhat weary from my day’s 
journey on horseback, I Anally agreed to go after a little 


OB, ONE SUMMEB. 


81 


persuasion, as I felt as though such a scene would cheer 
up my dull spirits. We, accordingly, set out on foot, and 
after traveling perhaps three miles reached the place. 
The festivities were, on this merry occasion, held in a 
large barn, situated in the middle of a large plantation. 
The room was brilliantly illuminated by a number of 
large lanterns, suspended from the rafters overhead. On 
arriving at the door we were kindly welcomed by our 
dusky friends and invited in, where seats were furnished 
us on the opposite side of the barn, where we could wit- 
ness the dancing that was about to commence. In one 
corner of the room, mounted on chairs that stood on a 
table, were two old negro fiddlers — that composed the 
orchestra. The gaily-dressed black swells, with their 
partners, the black belles, assembled on the floor. The 
music started up and the dancing began. The first was a 
waltz, and I must say they did it up in grand style. The 
barn was pretty well crowded, as all the darkies were 
there for many miles around. The evening’s programme 
consisted of peculiar dances I had never witnessed before. 
I have attended corn-shuckings and molasses-pullings, 
but this negro dance took the cake. The most laughable 
and amusing occurrence during the evening’s hop, was a 
young darkey dancing the pea-vine, another cutting the 
pigeon-wing; and still another shuffling the juber-jig; at 
the same time another Nig would rush forward and de- 
light the assembly with a genuine old-fashioned planta- 
tion break-down, which he executed with an excellency 
unparalleled. It had been years since I had the pleasure 
of witnessing a scene of this kind, and to say that I 
enjoyed it would but lightly express it. After the danc- 
ing was over, w^e were offered refreshments, scuppernong 
wine being the favorite liquor on occasions of this kind. 
My friend and myself declined to partake of the spark- 
ling beverage, ana our black friends seemed disappointed 


82 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


thereat. They had a plentiful supply on hand, and by 
the way they started in it was evident they did not wish 
to see any left. After refreshments were served, there 
was an hour or more spent in singing the old plantation 
melodies, among which prominently figured : ‘ Down in 
Mobile,’ ‘Massa in the cold, cold ground,’ ‘Take me 
back to Chloe,’ and other pieces that were familiar to Mr. 
Baspass and myself, and we joined with our colored 
friends in making the place re-echo with these good old 
pieces, my friend singing a fine baritone and myself a 
high tenor. We both favored them with a song, which 
was loudly applauded. We then thanked our darkey 
friends for the pleasure we had enjoyed, and wended our 
way homewards after bidding our festive friends good 
night. 

“The next morning I arose early and, bidding my 
friend good-by, mounted my horse and proceeded on my 
journey. At present I will not go into details of my 
travels; suffice it to say, that I arrived in good health and 
spirits at my destination, and before starting for home 
spent many happy days in visiting the orange groves of 
Florida. The winter was spent in that flowery State, and 
a bright morning of the following June found me at my 
old post at Fortress Monroe.” 

Southern thanked the Lieutenant for his interesting 
story, saying he was familiar with a greater part of the 
country he had been speaking of, and was about to start 
an anecdote to interest the listener, when Ancilla De- 
Montes, in company with Mrs. Busybody, entered the 
parlor, exclaiming : 

“Excuse me; I thought no one was here.” 

They both turned to go out, when Southern called them 
back and presented both to the Lieutenant, who bowed 
politely, expressed himself as being happy to meet them. 
Southern remarking at the same time : 


OB, ONE SUMMER. 


83 


This lady, Mrs. Busybody will interest you greatly, 
Lieutenant, when you become better acquainted.” 

After the ladies were seated, Ancilla opened the conver- 
sation, by speaking of the fine weather they were having, 
and then branched off on other subjects, such as music, 
the opera, etc., whereupon the Lieutenant’s request for 
music was complied with, by Mrs. Busybody singing 
^‘The Maiden’s Prayer,” accompanying herself on the 
piano. 

Ancilla tried to excuse herself by saying, My musical 
education has been so sadly neglected that, after hearing 
Mrs. Busybody’s good music, an attempt on my part 
would meet with merited contempt.” 

After continued pressing on the part of both the Lieu- 
tenant and Mrs. Busybody, she rendered with good effect. 

When the Swallows Homeward Fly.” After which Mr. 
Southern sang Southern Soldier’s Boy” in good style, 
every one saying that, as a singist, he was a success. 

The Lieutenant followed, to the surprise of all, in a 
beautiful tenor voice, with what he said was his favorite, 
^‘My Dream of Life is Over.” The hour being late, the 
merry party broke up, having spent a very pleasant even- 
ing together, and mutually pleased with each other. Mi\ 
Southern showed the Lieutenant to his room, and he 
retired for the night, awaking in the morning greatly 
refreshed, and made preparations for his departure by 
the steamer Clansman, that was to leave at 9 :30. 

While breakfasting, the Lieutenant made the acquaint- 
ance of Sir Edwin Kigby, Mr. Scribe, Mr. Leggins and 
Mr . Eodesta, who evidently were well pleased to meet the 
young American officer. A jolly conversation passed 
between the gentlemen, who, after leaving the breakfast 
parlor, repaired to the bar for refreshments. The Lieu- 
tenant took iced claret. Sir Edwin drank a mint julep, Mr. 
Eodesta called for sherry and bitters, Mr. Leggins wanted 


84 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


a gin-cocktail, and the noted Scribe drank to the health 
of all in a whisky-straight. The Lieutenant proposed as 
a toast The American Eagle.” 

Mr. Kodesta made a short reply, asking all to drink to 
the ‘^British Lion;” after which the gentlemen bid the 
Lieutenant good-by, and he made for the landing. In a 
short time the steamer was off, puffing and blowing as 
she disappeared around the* bend of the river. The 
Lieutenant was to meet General Sherman and party, on 
their way down from Y,” and thence to proceed to the 
Yellowstone Park with them, and there join President 
Arthur and party, and afterwards proceed to the East. 

I will merely mention that General Sherman, in com- 
pany with General Miles, arrived by special train at ^‘Y,” 
and were cordially welcomed by the citizens. The dis- 
tinguished war veterans were the guests of Mr. Andrew 
Onderdonk, contractor and manager of the Canadian 
Pacific Kailway in British Columbia. The General and 
party, after viewing the sights and curiosities of the town, 
boarded the train, then in waiting, and proceeded to the 
end of track, then under course of construction. 

On his return. General Sherman expreseed himself as 
being highly pleased with the trip among the Cascades, 
and after making a few remarks to the people of ^‘Y, ” 
the party embarked on board of a steamer and were soon 
gliding down the^river. 

At Yictoria they remained for a few days, and after- 
wards crossed the Sound, and reaching Tacoma took 
passage over the N. P. K. K., en route for Washington. 


OB, ONE SUMMER. 


85 


CHAPTEE XVIII. 

‘‘Good evening, Ancilla, ” said Mrs. Busybody, as this 
inquisitive individual entered the spacious parlor of the 
Grand Pacific. 

“Good evening,” responded Ancilla, with a familiar 
toss of the head. 

“All alone?” asked Mrs. B. 

“ Yes ; all alone, ’ ’ said Ancilla. ‘ ‘ My old beau, Tattler, 
is otherwise engaged this evening.” 

“By the way, Ancilla, have you anything new worth re- 
lating to-night ? ’ ’ 

“Yes; Mr. Southern was in but a few moments since 
and informed me that early this A. M. he had received a 
telegram stating that Mr. Quimby’s sister would arrive by 
;steamer to-night, accompanied by some lady friends, and 
to be ready for their reception. Their stay will be but 
short, as they are merely on a fiying visit, and will prob- 
ably return by same steamer on her down trip.” 

“Oh, I shall be delighted to meet Miss Quimby and 
her friends. She is so very nice. I really admire her. 
She has such pleasant ways, and is a perfect lady. Just 
before I arrived here last Spring I had the pleasure of 
spending two months with her at Captain Quimby’s resi- 
dence in “N.” I was made to feel perfectly at home 
there, and they did all in their power to make it pleasant 
for me. She has a splendid piano, and, as you know, I 
am such a lover of music. Almost every evening my amuse- 
ment would be thumping away at the instrument, much 
to the disgust of the listeners. My favorite piece was ‘Pull 
Down the Blind, ’ with variations. What do you think of 
that?” 


86 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


‘‘ Very good,” laughingly replied Ancilla; biit ‘Meet Mo 
By Moonlight Alone’ would have been more appropriate. 
You know to wdioin I refer.” 

“Now, my dear Mrs. DeMontes, no insinuations.” 

“ None whatever. Pray pardon me if I have been too 
personal. ” 

At that moment a shrill chime whistle interrupted fur- 
ther conversation, announcing the near approach of the 
expected steamer. 

“There she comes,” said Ancilla, as the splendid 
steamer Northern Light came puffing around the bend of 
the river. 

“Isn’t it a magnificent sight? ” said Mrs. Busybody,, 
who, I venture to say, had never beheld such brilliancy 
before, emanating from the electric light on board. 

“Perfectly grand,” said Ancilla, as they stood viewing 
the approaching steamer from the balcony. 

In the meantime Luke Southern w^as at the wharf, and 
on arrival of the steamer rushed on board to the main 
saloon to welcome Miss Quimby (his aunt), who smilingly 
greeted him, at the same time presenting him with a bou- 
quet, which he gracefully accepted. His aunt then intro- 
duced him to a young gentleman named Mr. Kidd, re- 
cently from Old Delaware, telling him that he could fur- 
nish him with interesting news, and, excusing herself, 
went to look after her lady friends. Just then Mrs. Busy- 
body and her husband were seen making their way on 
board, pushing the crowd this way and that way, pell-inelly 
helter-skelter, in their eagerness to reach the ladies’ cabin,, 
to greet Miss Quimby, and on seeing her she joyfrdly ex- 
claimed : 

“Oh, Margaret! There’s Margaret! ” 

This was followed by an affectioiiate embrace and the 
inquiry : 

“ How long do you remain with us? ” 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


87 


Only to-night,” said Miss Quimby. ‘^My lady friends, 
to whom I will introduce you, may perhaps remain longer. 
As for myself, I must go back with Buddy; I mean my 
brother, the Captain.” 

After introductions were over, they all w'ended their way, 
in company, from the steamer to the Grand Pacific Hotel, 
where they were to spend a few hours with Ancilla De- 
Montes before returning on board, the steamer leaving at 
daylight. 

On the way from the steamer to the hotel Luke now and 
then, at short intervals, would rivet his eyes on the fair 
maidens ahead, catching a sly glance, I presume, to ascer- 
tain which took his fancy most. His aunt, whom he ac- 
companied^ remarked. 

Do you see that tall young beauty in the center there, 
walking along so leisurely and chatting so freely to the 
other ladies? ” 

‘‘Yes, I do,” replied Luke. “What about her?” he 
asked, with unconcern. 

“ What do you think of her? Isn’t she a beauty? ” 

“My acquaintance is too short so express an opinion. 
Furthermore, I am a poor judge of beauty,” said Luke. 

“ I don’t believe you,” she replied; “ but I will inform 
you that she is your uncle Eddy’s intended, and I am go- 
ing to present you as her beau’s nephew’ when w^e reach 
the hotel; so you must not be at all backw’ard in coming 
foiwvard; bashfulness is out of the question. You know 
the old adage: ‘ Faint heart never won fair lady.’ ” 

On reaching the hotel we ascended the grand stairw^ay 
and Avere ushered by Luke into the parlor. 

Ancilla DeMontes Avas there aAvaiting the arrival of the 
Ausitors. Mrs. Busybody led thaw^ay in, at the same time 
introducing Mrs. DeMontes to Miss Quimby. 

“ Happy to make your acquaintance,’ ’ said Ancilla. 

“Thanks for the compliment,” said Miss Quimby. 


88 


ANCILLA DE MOyTES, 


‘‘I will now introduce the ladies in rotation.” 

‘‘Luke, come in. Come in, I say.” 

“Luke, who was standing in the hallway, near the par- 
lor door, at once stepped in. 

“Miss Sylvester, this is my nephew, Mr. Southern, 
manager of this hotel.” 

The lady politely rose from her seat and bowed. 

“Happy to meet you,” said Luke, smilingly. 

“And this is Miss Greenwood, and here is Miss Keeves, 
and there is Miss Carlevan.” 

One after another did Luke Southern go through this 
drill of introduction until the task was finished. Miss 
Quimby, no doubt, wished to have her nephew on the 
right side of the ladies. 

Mr. Southern, desiring to pay every attention to the 
ladies, invited them out on the balcony, where they might 
enjoy the cool evening breeze. It was a beautiful night; 
the stars shone out brilliantly, and the pale moon rose up 
from behind the towering peaks a mere phantom, casting 
its glorious rays upon the silvery water of the grand old 
turbulent river, illuminating the clear, magnificent sky 
above and the valley and surroundings below, while seated 
on the balcony some of the guests were humming operas 
and others conversing on the beauties of the mountain 
scenery. 

Miss Quimby and Ancilla were holding an animated 
confab at the end of the balcony about Lady Primrose. 

Miss Quimby seemed very anxious in regard to the con- 
quests made by Lady P. while a guest at the Grand. An- 
cilla seemed to have taken a dislike to the Blonde, and by 
her manner and conversation showed plainly that jealousy 
was the cause of it, as is often the case with women when 
favor and affection is bestowed upon one more than an- 
other. It does, in many instances, generate a bitter 
hatred which, in the course of time, terminates in trouble 
or scandal, and generally in a woman war. 


OB, ONE SUMMER. 


89 


We must now return to the young ladies. Miss Syl- 
vester proposed a walk; they all agreed to go, being 
anxious to take in the town and visit the falls and view 
them by moonlight. Jjuke offered to escort Miss Sylves- 
ter, and his offer was eagerly accepted. Fortunately Mr. 
Kidd appeared at that moment and escorted the others, 
who started on ahead. Luke and Miss Sylvester followed 
slowly behind. Miss Sylvester took Luke’s arm and they 
walked leisurely along, taking in what sights there were to 
be seen in the old town of Y. They went as far as the 
tunnel, and then, on account of the lateness of the hour, 
the party turned back, postponing the visit to the falls 
until a more favorable time. This was a great disappoint- 
ment to all, especially to Miss Sylvester. On the way 
back Luke asks Miss S. why she and the rest of the ladies 
do not remain for a few days. 

am sure,” said he, ‘‘you would really enjoy your- 
selves. The trip to the falls, a mile or so distant, would 
more than repay you for stopping over; or perhaps a day’s 
angling in the mountain streams would please you better. 
This is what I call a flying visit, to come to a place and 
And out nothing good of it before leaving.” 

“ Yes, said Miss Sylvester, “ I would like to stay over 
at least a week, but I did not come to stop long. There- 
fore, I shall leave for home in the morning, but hope, 
when I come to Y. again, I shall have the pleasure of 
spending a week or more with you. As I came with Miss 
Quimby I must by all means return with her.” 

While going along, Mr. Kidd, with the two ladies, 
amused the party by singing “ To Thy Heart, Oh, Take 
Me Back.” 

Luke, who was some distance behind the Kidd com- 
pany, consulted his watch, and said:“’Tis now 11:30, 
and it is about time all good people were home.” 


90 


ANCILLA BE 310ETES, 


‘‘Late as that ?” whispered Miss Sylvester. “ What a 
time to be out? What will Miss Quimby say? She will 
be vexed, I know.” 

“Not much, ’’said Luke. “What can she say or do? 
She knows you are in excellent company when you are 
with her nephew. ” 

The party by this time had reached the hotel, and all 
made a rush to see who would gain the balcony first. 

“You have all come at last, have you? ” sarcastically 
remarked Mrs. Busybody. 

“Yes; we are all here,” answered Southern. 

“ What did you see? ” inquired Ancilla of Mr. Kidd. 

“Nothing very startling, I assure you. I hope you and 
Miss Quimby have enjoyed yourselves during our ab- 
sence.” 

“ Where is Miss Sylvester off to? ” asked Miss Quimby. 

“ Oh, she has just stepped into Mr. Southern’s room. 
He called her in to show her a collection of photos . He 
has a regular picture gallery, wLich is w^orth looking at. 
He wished to show her several of his Norfolk beauties. 
I ’ll go and see wdiat they are up to.” 

‘ ‘ What brings you here ? Why have you deserted the 
ladies ? ” said Luke. 

“ I was appointed a committee of one to come and see 
wLat you two w'ere about,” answ^ered the Kidd. 

“Well, get back and report that we are rehearsing 
‘ Nursery Ehymes.’ ” 

At that moment Miss Quimby appeared at the door, 
saying: 

“I am sorry to disturb you two; but, Lillie, it is time 
to return to the steamer.” 

After donning their apparel and bidding Ancilla good- 
by, they returned to the steamer. Mr. and Mrs. Busy- 
body, wdth Miss Quimby, Mr. Kidd and the two young 
ladies, followed by Luke Southern wdth Lillie Sylvester, 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


91 


who took a round-abont way to reach their destination. 
Perhaps Lnke had something sweet to say, as it w^as re- 
ported afterwards that he was gone on her. 

It is needless to say that only a few happy moments- 
was spent among the group assembled on board before 
good-bys were given. As Luke was leaving the steamer 
he turned and noticed Miss Sylvester throwing a parting 
kiss. Luke could not stand this. His love for this fair 
maiden was more than a fellow of his qualities could re- 
sist. So, rushing back into the saloon he caught her at 
last and imprinted a kiss upon her ruby lips — a good-by 
kiss — as he whispered : 

‘‘ Now, you’ll remember me.” 


CHAPTER XIX. 

A short time after this the friends of Southern had 
arrived, and put up at the Grand. It is needless to say 
that the reception given them by Ancilla was most kind 
and affable. They felt at home immediately, and were 
charmed with their surroundings, and especially with the 
mountain scenery. 

Miss Rudder was quite interesting; her features were 
good, her form excellent, and her manner very lively and 
entertaining. Ancilla was delighted with her. 

Mr. Sails did not care for the country, and determined 
to return at an early date. However, he had many friends 
who persuaded him out of the notion. Mr. Sails made 
quite an addition to the billiard party, and was considered 
a brilliant shot. 


92 


ANGILLA DE MONTES, 


“ Indeed, Mr. Sails,” said Mr. Darrell, ‘‘ you will never 
return to your country to live. I predict that, after you 
become used to the place and people, we could not drive 
you out.” 

‘‘You think so, do you, Darrell? Well, perhaps, it 
may be so. Southern is a tip-top fellow, and I like him 
first-rate. It was very kind of him to meet us on the 
wharf, and to extend to us the hearty welcome he did.” 

“That’s a good shot, Darrell ; you are excellent at the 
three-ball game. I stand no show with you at all. What’s 
the score now? — 38 to my 27. Ah! too much for me; 
made it.” 

“Your friend, Mr. Davenport, has removed below, I 
believe?” remarked Darrell. 

“Yes; and decided to remain there, but I expect him 
here about the seventh of next month. You’ve scored out 
well. The three-ball is not my game; hoAvever, I’ll try 
you the four-ball to-morrow. So, good night, I must 
retire.” 

CHAMPION POOL MATCH, 

IS THE GRAND PACIFIC BILLIARD PARLOR. 

’Twas in the month of November — 

A stormy afternoon — 

At a Hotel they called the ‘‘ Grand,” 

I sat down in the Billiard-room. 

The place was warm and tidy 
As ever I had seen ; 

Ten tables stood in the center, 

With cushions new and clean. 

0..e attracted my attention— 

It was both long and wide ; 

A pocket in each corner , 

And one on either side ; 

A score of balls upon it, 

In great confusion lay. 

And I took a seat beside it. 

To await some one to play. 


OB, ONE SUMMER. 


9a 


Two men were walking around it, 

As people often do ; 

They smoked cigars in silence, 

And each man carried a cue — 

The one, I think, from Paris, 

•His age about thirty-four ; 

The other man much younger. 

Just in from Baltimore. 

They placed the balls in order, ' 

And then arranged the match ; 

The white ball fell in the pocket, 

The Frenchman “ made a scratch 

The second shot he fired. 

The ball fell on the floor — 

The game was then decided 
In favor of Baltimore. 

The Frenchman seemed determined 
To try another game ; 

The second shot he fired 
Was very much the same. 

With the white ball in the pocket. 

And some others on the floor; 

The second game decided 
In favor of Baltimore, 

The Paris man, excited. 

Seemed to play so fast ; 

The third game fairly started, 

I thought T^ould be the last ; 

The Frenchman seemed disgusted. 

Said he would play no more — 

Came all the way from Paris, 

And got beat by Baltimore. 

“What a beautiful night, Ancilla; let us go for a walk 
to the cliff. I am sure we shall enjoy ourselves. The 
moon is shining so brightly; bring Miss Rudder along 
with you, and the sails, with ^ Mr. Wingate. Mr. 
Southern says he will not go, as he has letters which 
require his attention. By the way, Ancilla, have you 


94 : 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


tickets for the theatre to-morrow eyening ? I have seen 
the box-sheet. There will be an attractive audience. Do 
you go ?” 

‘‘ Yes, I shall go, providing Mr. Southern accompanies 
me.” 

‘‘Look, Miss Eudder, at the rushing waters. “Is it 
not beautiful ? The moon’s beams shining on the rippling 
wavelets. Oh! how I should enjoy a boat-ride; but, then, 
they say it is dangerous to go out. I am told there is an 
under current some distance out that requires some skill 
on the part of the oarsmen to avoid capsizing the boat. 
Have you not heard of it?” 

The small party were seated upon a rock, overhanging 
a deep precipice. They had, however, no fear in ap- 
proaching the place. Admiration of the surrounding 
scene held them spellbound. 

“ Dear me, what a height! They tell me of a man who 
slipped and fell over here ! Of course, he was intoxicated. 
He was mangled up fearfully, and instantly killed. Do 
let us go,” said Miss Eudder: “I greatly fear this place! 
This rock might break away with us, and then” — 

“You foolish girl! Can’t you see that’s impossible; 
but then, it’s most time we should return. Come along; 
let’s sing something. ” 

“Well”— 

“ ’Tis only a pantry blossom,” 

One of Frank Howard’s. ’Tis a beautiful one. 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


95 


CHAPTEK XX. 

We shall now skip over a period of a few months. In 
the meantime, no great event had occurred worth particu- 
larizing. The summer guests had all gone, and only the 
permanent boarders remained. The fall rains, the cold 
winds, with an occasional fall of light snow, predicted 
that winter was fast approaching, and preparations for the 
holidays have already begun. The seventh day of De- 
cember set in with a heavy fall of snow. The day follow- 
ing was fine; the air was frosty, yet pure and bracing; the 
roads, with the heavily-laden sleighs and cutters, filled 
with boys and girls, their faces all aglow with excitement; 
the skaters, figuring prominently on the ice a short dis- 
tance from the windows, was a picture for an artist. 

An equipage drew up before the door of the Grand 
Pacific, with its pair of spanking thoroughbreds. Piobes 
and furs were all in readiness for the party who were to 
occupy it. Presently Darrell, with Ancilla, Mrs. Busy- 
body, and Mr. Sails with Miss Eudder, appeared, and 
after being comfortably tucked in the horses were off in 
an instant, the merry bells jingling as they disappeared 
in the distance. 

Why did Mr. Southern not come ?” asked Mrs. Busy- 
body of Miss Eudder. 

“ Oh, I suppose he had too much business to attend to 
as usual — his only excuse. He is a good singer, and 
would enliven us with one of his plantation songs. He 
sings them to perfection ; don’t he, though !’ ’ 

‘‘Oh, yes; but then it’s so hard to get him to sing. 
There was only one who could do anything with him, and 
that was Templeton. You remember him, don’t you, Mr. 
Darrell ? He returned, you know, with Mr. Carew to 
Washington. He is, I believe, a literary man. He will 
come back again next summer. ” 


96 


ANCILLA DEMONTESy 


That eyening, after the return of the party from the 
drive, Mr. Paramour, Squire Tattler, and Ancilla were 
ensconced in the parlor, before a blazing fire. The room 
was comfortable, and the cold wintry blast without was. 
unnoticed by the occupants. 

‘'Don’t you remember,” Ancilla was saying to Mr. 
Paramour, “the story you promised me of your trip to 
Scotland, and your return to this country?” 

“ Certainly I do, Mrs. DeMontes. Do you, then, wish 
me to relate the particulars ? It will not be very long. 
If I remember aright, I told you, at the time of my last 
story, that I left San Prancisco on board ship for Glas- 
gow. I arrived safely at that port. We had discharged 
our passengers and freight, and afterward ballasted for ar 
port in France. I secured my passage, and we left early 
one morning in a slight fog. We were bound for Bor« 
deaux, to take in a cargo of wines and brandy for New 
York. I liked the captain of the vessel, a loud, boister- 
ous Scotchman, whose name was MacDonald. The first 
and second mates were both Scotch; the third mate wa& 
Irish, and the physician was a Welchman. I am sorry to 
say, although Dr. Burgess was a very clever man, and 
also very entertaining, he was addicted to drink; so much 
so, that at times the captain had him placed under sur- 
veillance, with a man to watch him, for he would, at all 
hazards, secure liquor. When he was in this condition, 
the captain was in constant dread lest he should fire the 
ship, which he was likely to do. Well, we had received 
our cargo, and were again on the broad bosom of the 
Atlantic, making for New York. About a fortnight out, 
the Doctor began to show signs of intoxication, although 
confined to his room ; he would be up and around at all 
hours of the night, talking loudly Avith the men on watch 
and annoying them, as well as those who were asleep. 
This continued for several days, until the doctor was 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


n 


attacked with delirium tremens. He was violent at times^,, 
attempting to jump overboard or shoot himself, and the^ 
like. He never liked me, nor had I any regard for him, 
although I never did him an injury, neither did he do me 
any harm; only a mutual antipathy existed between us. 
My cabin was the one next to the captain’s; the mates 
were adjoining mine, and the Doctor’s directly opposite,, 
with the width of the dining-room between us. He was 
only once in my room, and that was to administer a 
narcotic, when I lay ill from the effect of the rolling sea. 
In fact, I was seasick. I particularly noticed at dinner 
one evening, that tbe doctor, who sat directly opposite 
me at the table, had a queer look in his eye. I can’t 
explain it, and never could until afterward. It was his 
first appearance at table for weeks. He had a wild,., 
roving look in his eyes, and the muscles of his face 
twitched terribly. He had only been seated a short 
time when he hurriedly excused himself, and went to his; 
state-room. 

‘"‘The Doctor looks d — d queer this evening,’ re- 
marked the Captain; ‘I greatly fear his excessive drink- 
ing has affected his brain. I must have him watched 
closely to-night. What do you think, Mr. Paramour ?’ 

“ ^ I could not bear his eyes on me. He seemed to eye 
me very intently. Surely he could not be meditating 
bodily harm to me.’ ” 

‘Surely not,’ said the Captain, who, no doubt, wa& 
comparing my muscular form to that of the physician’s. 

^^Well, that night I could not rest, nor even sleep; I 
must have lain for hours seeing before me those great, 
frenzied eyes, which haunted me. I was afraid. It must 
have been two o’clock in the morning when I fell into a 
troubled doze. I fancied I heard footsteps stealthily ap- 
proaching my door ! The light in the cabin was turned 
low. I heard a slight noise, as if a chair had been. 


-98 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


moved and grated lightly on the oil-cloth. I was now 
awake, and had raised myself on my elbow, watching the 
door. A pair of bright, fiery orbs were fastened upon 
me, like that of a wild beast, when, with a shriek, the 
frenzied lunatic — for such he was — sprang toward me. A 
long, slender knife was grasped in his uplifted hand ! I 
sprang upon the fellow and caught his arm, as it was de- 
scending, aimed for my breast. My presence of mind 
saved my life ; but I received a gash across the back part 
of my head, the scar of which I carry to this day. After 
being frustrated in his design, he struck kt me with his 
clenched hand. I parried the blow oftV delivering him 
one on the breast, staggering him. He gave one pro- 
longed shriek, made one bound through the door, cleared 
the railing and sprang into the sea, to rise no more ? 
Thus ends my sea-story. This is another instance of the 
evils of intemperance.” 

“How dreadful!” exclaimed Ancilla; “How 1 hate 
that cursed stuff ! Think of that man’s abilities as a phy- 
sician, and what he might have been; but then — 

Of all the sad words of tongue or pen, 

The saddest of these, “It might have been.” 

“Dear me,” said Squire Tattler, “You Jiad a narrow 
-eacape. Let us hope you may never encounter such 
n one again. It is now time to retire, and I thank you, 
-Mr. Paramour, for your very interesting story. Good 
might. 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


99 


CHAPTER XXI. 

It was Christmas Eve, and, as usual, the two friends, 
Miss Winnie Rudder and Ancilla DeMontes, sat together 
alone in the spacious and elegant parlor of the Grand Pa- 
cific Hotel. They were conversing on various subjects 
that were familiar and interesting to both. It was a dread- 
ful dark night, and the storm raged with fury without. 
The snow fell thick and fast for a while, but later it changed 
into rain, accompanied by hail and sleet, and the pelting 
rain, driven in torrents before the fury of the wintry gale, 
rattled against the large bay windows, every moment 
threatening their destruction. At this juncture Ancilla 
arose from her chair and walked to tlie window, and, put- 
ting aside the lace curtain, peered, musingly, out into the 
darkness beyond. 

‘^Oh, what a horrible night! I think it is the most 
stormy time I ever experienced,’ ’ she said, with a shudder, 
at the same time moving nearer the grate in order to 
warm herself, for she had at tliat moment complained 
being cold. 

Yes, ” replied Miss Rudder; ^‘I am very thankful we 
both have things so nice and comfortable, and a cosy 
little fire to sit by and a fine piano for Mrs. Busybody to 
play upon when she visits us. Oh, my! I sometimes 
imagine I am in Aladdin’s palace; for truly, Mrs. De 
Montes, before I arrived at this place I did not expect to 
find such comfort and luxury. I have only one person to 
thank for it, and that is my dear cousin Luke.” 

Yes, resumed Ancilla; ‘^you should show by your ac- 
tions that you appreciate his kindness, for he has done much 
for your interest and welfare in settling you here in this 
country; and furthermore, you should know how to return 


100 


ANCILLA BE MOETES, 


good 'svill for the same when the opportunity presents it-- 
self. Be considerate and thoughtful, and allow him to 
advise and counsel you.” 

During this portion of Ancilla’s remarks, Miss Eudder 
listened in profound silence, with her head bowled down.. 
She felt the influence of such language. It came over 
her like a spell. 

Yes,” Ancilla continued; ‘^Luke has been kind and 
affectionate to you; but you return it in an ungrateful 
way. He notices your coldness and distant demeanor to- 
wards him already, and on several occasions has said to 
me that he considered your actions strange and unac- 
countable. For the past week or so you had scarcely 
spoken to or noticed him. He feels alarmed at your pe- 
culiar proceedings. He said that some time ago he gave 
you certain advice for your own welfare, whereupon you 
became almost frantic with rage, and threatened to drive 
him out of your presence, simply because he advised you 
how to conduct yourself in a strange land among a 
strange people. He also said that if things continued this 
way he would give you up and have nothing more to say to 
you, but let you pursue your own course. Your hasty tem- 
per and wild way would eventually bring you to grief, and 
then you would regret your actions. I noticed a deep 
feeling of emotiongwithin wliile speaking on this subject. 
He said he realized your ungratefulness towards him, but 
would never speak to you again on the subject.’ ’ 

Ancilla’s words so affected Miss Eudder that she was 
moved to sorrow, and ever and anon a tear rolled down 
her cheek. 

Yes,” she cried; ‘‘he has been kind to me in one 
way, but not in another.” 

Here she paused and said no more. 

“Yes, he has,” exclaimed Ancilla. “In my judgment 
he has treated you as well, or perhaps better, than your 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


101 


own parents could have done. Your own words condemn 
your story. He lias been your best friend in this place; 
but, alas ! I fear he will continue so unless your conduct to- 
wards him changes. He brought you out and furnished you 
with what you needed. What more could you expect, or 
could he do, to further your interest? You may not think it 
riglit, or think me bold, in repeating what he said to me, 
but I do it for your good; so let us drop the matter and 
change the subject.” 

The wind whistles down from the srow-crested sum- 
mits, putting forth the most shreiking notes. Something 
.seems sad and plaintive in its mournful voice. 

‘‘I wish the wind would lull,” said Ancilla. ^^Such a 
stormy night puts me in suspense, and it’s impossible for 
me to rest contented.” 

^^Yes; so do I,” replied Miss Eudder. feel so lone- 
some, and a dull sensation has fallen on me. I cannot 
enjoy myself without more company. I w^onder w^hat’s 
the reason the Scribe and the Professor, wdth his violin, 
do not come in to-night ? They promised to be here be- 
fore this time. The Professor promised us some music.” 

‘^Theywill not come now, how^ever, ” said Ancilla, Jdraw- 
ing forth the watch presented to her some time before by 
Mr. Grubshanks; ^Ht is past ten^o’ clock. Well, I don’t 
feel disappointed in the least at their absence. I know 
perfectly well how to take them. Ah! but the three gen- 
tlemen whom I admire so much have not dropped in 
either. To-morrow, Miss Eudder, is Christmas, and I 
expect to receive numerous presents from all the gentle- 
men in the hotel. Mr. Paramour presented me with this 
beautiful sterling silver set this afternoon. See, They 
consist of a pair of ear-rings and necklace, with a hand- 
:some locket attached. Isn’t he good to think of me ? ” she 
exclaimed. I shall wetr them with the new gray dress 
Mr. Quimby gave me.” 


102 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


‘‘ Yes, Mr. Paramour is really very kind to yon; but for 
goodness sake don’t allow Luke Southern to know any-- 
thing about it, ” said Miss Pudder. 

Well, he is bound to see me wearing it.” 

‘‘Yes, that is true; but what I meant to say is, don’t 
tell him that Paramour gave it to you, or perhaps he will 
make much ado about it. You know he is as good as a 
detective to unravel or discover everything in the hotel; 
so don’t reveal the secret. Let him find it out for him- 
self.” 

“By the way. Miss Rudder,” said Ancilla, “we must 
go and see the new play to-morrow at the Academy of 
Music. Most of the troupe are stopping here at the Grand 
Pacific. They are just up from San Francisco, where they 
played seven consecutive weeks to full houses. In look- 
ing over the papers a week ago I noticed that both the 
Call and Chronicle stated they had met with marked suc- 
cess Tvherever they performed on the Pacific Coast.” 

“Yes, I will go by all means,” joyfully exclaimed Miss 
Rudder. “Mr. Sails has asked the pleasure of my com- 
pany, and you shall go with us. He has engaged a pri- 
vate box, where w^e will enjoy a full view of the stage. 
Now, Ancilla, since we are alone, I will try and entertain 
you for a while by relating an incident that happened to 
me five years ago last August, w hich nearly sent me to the 
liapijy Imnting ground. My story is rather matter of fact, 
as you will see later. To begin with, I thought I would 
like to take a voyage with my father. Captain Rudder, of 
the schooner Lawrence, a stout-built vessel of about 150 
tons register. We had on board a cargo of shingles that 
father had purchased from parties in the cypress and juniper 
swamps on the Scuppenong River for the purpose of cruis- 
ing among the islands of the upper rivers and creeks of 
Chesapeake Bay and retailing them out. The shingles 
generally demand a good figure. Well, to make a long 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


105 


story short, I will merely acquaint you with the true facta 
that happened me on that dreadful day. We had, the 
evening preceding the great cyclone of the 18th of August, 
1879, cast anchor on Muddy Flats, just opposite a large 
and commercial seaport of one of the most flourishing 
Southern States on the Atlantic seaboard. The night prior 
to the storm was a still, calm, beautiful moonlight night.. 
The stars, shining out their silvery light of splendor, cast- 
ing full reflections on the water of the harbor so much so 
that you could plainly discern any small object on the sur- 
face of the water for a considerable distance. At midni ght 
I was on deck, and after looking up at the sky cast a raj)i(i 
glance at the numerous gaslights on the piers of the city 
front. Then I went down into the cabin. Nothing that 
night would ever indicate the near approach of the des- 
tructive storm we were to have the next day. Morning- 
came, and with it came the fury of the gale. It blew a 
genuine cyclone, such as is only experienced by those 
who, like myself, have been in it. At noon, while the 
storm raged in its utmost fury, we parted our cables and 
went stern first into a projecting pile, staving a hole in 
under the counter, directly below water-mark, and being 
loaded, our schooner filled rapidly and at last went down, 
decks to, for she was only in two fathoms of water where, 
she settled, and within two hundred yards of the shore . 
During all this time I prayed for my safe deliverance. 
Our yawl-boat was stove in from the first of the gale, 
and there we were, my father, myself and the vessel’s 
crew standing on the cabin trunk. I was deploring my 
own misfortune. None seemed frightened but myself; 
but ‘Oh, Lord, ’ I cried ‘ have mercy on a poor, miserable- 
girl, and ‘Deliver me out of the jaws of death,’ I shrieked 
aloud, as a high sea would sweep over us. If you could 
have witnessed the sight from shore you would have 
pitied me. The rain was beating in my face in pitiless. 


104 


ANCILLA DE ^lOXTES, 


'torrents. I tliouglit my time had come. Oli, what a sight 
I beheld before me ! All over the harbor masses of drift- 
wood were floating around, driven by the flerce winds be- 
fore the flood tide. Ships had parted their moorings, 
carrying with them portions of the wharves, and one bark, 
with the captain’s wife and creAv, clinging to the main rig- 
ging, had gone ashore opposite the city. In fact, every 
vvessel afloat in the harbor went ashore, with the exception 
of a down-east flsherman with three anchors out. Happily 
no lives were lost; but there was a terrible destruction of 
property in the city and an enormous amount of damage 
do shipping in the harbor. Our vessel was not a total 
wreck, however. We succeeded in raising her and put 
her on the marine railway. In a week afterwards she 
floated gracefully as before on the bosom of the water, 
and a short time afterwards we were homeward bound, 
-and as jovial as ever, as if nothing dreadful had happened. 
In fact, I had nearly forgotten my narrow escape a month 
afterwards.” 

Well,” said Ancilla, ^^you must have felt terribly to 
have been so near drowning. Where was Luke Southern all 
this time ? ” 

Why, he was in the same storm with us, close by; but 
I did not realize the fact till a day afterwards, when he 
related his adventure of the preceding day to father in my 
presence. Ancilla, it would make you lagh as well as in- 
ierest a whole audience. Luke Southern was then the 
merry captain of the schooner Gwynn’s Island. He had 
on board a cargo of watermelons from Powell’s Point, 
North Carolina, and it was certainly amusing to hear him 
tell of the disaster among the watermelons. He managed 
-to save a portion of the load, which he afterwards shipped 
to Northern markets, and the balance the boys made a 
raid on, as the deck load, which drifted ashore.” 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


105 


Oh, yes; I now know the secret of his being some- 
times called Captain by Dick Darrell, who makes it his 
annoying duty to plague and tease Luke everj^ time they 
meet in company, and he exposes Luke by telling him 
that he tried to save the schooner from destruction by 
using a w^atermelon for a fender. So, Miss Rudder, I wdll 
make it an object to-morrow to tease Luke myself on 
the same subject,” laughingly exclaimed Mrs. DeMontes. 

He -will wonder how I know so much about it.” 

So they bid each other ta-ta and retired for the night. 


CHAPTER XXII. 

“ Man, proud man, 

Dressed in a little brief authority, 

Plays such fantastic tricks before high Heaven 
As make the angels weep*” 

We must now pass over a period of a few weeks, during 
which nothing of note occurred. The curtain is drawm up 
for the public to gaze upon a new and somewhat interesting 
scene. The chief actors taking the most prominent parts in 
this foul play are the three special favorites of the ma- 
licious Ancilla DeMontes — old Squire Tattler, the protec- 
tor, Paramoul’, and the cross-grained Mr. Tangletongue. 
All were seated around the large round-table in the ele- 
gant and spacious parlor of the Grand Pacific Hotel. It 
was at a most unseasonable hour of the night, and anyone 
might wonder wdiat interested them so greatly; but the 
reader will be more familiar with this little party before 
our story ends. The first act is a long one, and continues 
to the end. Stillness prevails, save the cracking of the 


106 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


fire in the grate; now and then a whisper is exchanged — 
in order to be understood, causing each and every one to 
change their positions. Ancilla De Montes is in a rocker, 
and gathered around her, with her feet on the rounds of 
their chairs, leaning back, are the three admirers, wor- 
shippers and fond counsellors; protectors in times of 
trouble, and escorts when no one better was around, which 
was often the case. They are all engaged in a low and 
earnest c Dnversation, and it is evident from their manner 
that something wrong is brewing. It is easily seen they 
are not assembled for any honorable motive; on the con- 
trary, an evil object is in view, both villainous and out- 
rageous in the extreme — to overthrow, if possible, the 
character and destroy the reputation of a man who has 
always acted the gentleman. Is it possible that a man 
who holds such a high and honorable position, ranks 
amongst the first, and mingles in the best of the society of 
upper class, can fall so low and degrade himself to such 
an extent as to do injustice to his fellow man, and accuse 
another of a deed, let it be what it might, which never 
was committed, knowing, at the same time, that he alone 
was the instigator of the affair in order to save his own 
damaged character from a dark blot and conceal his 
wrong-doings from the community at large ? He is then 
determined by bitter hatred and cut-throat animosity to 
take these vile means, and secretly concoct, with the as- 
sistance of a few vicious favorites, as bad as himself, a 
plot to become square, as they term it, with one who 
never offered them an insult or intentionally harmed them 
in any manner, but on many occasions proved himself 
more than a friend to these parties who proved themselves 
his bitter enemies; one, especially, who seemed to be the 
ringleader of the party; the leading spirit, whose ani- 
mosity was so strong that he would have liked to drive the 
dagger of malice into the heart of his supposed victim; 
but fortune favored the victim, so called. 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


107 


I will place before the public a man well known to 
many in the locality where this story is laid. The reader 
can draw his, or her, own conclusions from the sequel. 
The character referred to calls himself a most honored 
and respected citizen, who moves in the highest circles of 
society, and panders to the wishes of all. However, 
many have formed a dislike to him. His disposition is 
such that it makes him appear overbearing in the extreme, 
and many who were at one time his friends now pass him 
by unnoticed. By interfering in afiairs of others, and by 
his interference, cause their good names to suffer. He 
has made many enemies by his wrong-doings. He tried 
to touch off the bomshell of corruption (by a slow pro- 
cess), in order to injure one who had never done him 
harm, thinking it would place him in high favor with 
Ancilla DeMontes, whom he worshipped. It was done to 
gratify her wish ; but the dastardly and treacherous 
scheme was a signal failure, it was nipped in 
the bud, by the timely discovery of the devilish 
plot. These charges spoken of were made by one 
who is supposed to do justice between man and man, 
and show favor and affection to none, but to give equal 
justice to the poor and unfortunate as well as to the 
wealthy. This man, who can be easily bribed, will show 
partiality when the occasion occurs, and do harm to liis 
supposed enemies, merely to say that vengeance is mine.''' 
Such a man is not fit to hold oflice; it is unsafe to trust 
him. He is one that will slander his neighbors, and by 
such disgraceful means injure them for life; defaming the 
character of one whom he desjDises, but who, in the esti- 
mation of the’’public, is far ahead of him as a gentleman. 

We will again turn our attention to Ancilla DeMontes 
and her three friends, that we left a short time ago 
assembled in the parlor. They are all engaged in forming 


108 


AKCILLA DE MONTES, 


a secret plot. Just at this moment they are interrupted 
by a loud tap at the door and start up in surprise. 

Come in,” calls a voice from within. 

The door is swung open, and the gentleman known to 
many, and especially to Luke Southern, as the notorious 
Mr. Scribe, enters the room. A grinning smile plays 
upon his countenance as he says to all, Good evening,” 
at the same time crossing over to where Ancilla De 
Montes was seated. Drawing up a chair, he took a seat 
beside her, asking, ‘^How did you like the method 
adopted for removing the party referred to in my paper?” 

She answered : ^^Very well, indeed. I have secured 
all the necessary signers to carry out my views. Eight 
gentlemen have put their signatures to the paper; but 
then, you know, I would be better satisfied to have a 
dozen at least. The more the better. If I fail to pro- 
cure more, I will let Mr. Tattler send it down to Mr 
Quimby.” 

^^How many signatures did you get outside of our- 
selves?” asked Mr. Tangletongue of Ancilla. 

^^Eour, that you are all acquainted with.” ’ 

hope the business will not prove a failure,” said old 
Squire Tattler. 

‘‘If there are any possible means of removing the 
rascal from the house, we will all combine together for the 
purpose, even if we have to resort to foul means, ” said 
the protector Paramour. “We will protect you, Mrs. 
DeMontes, and see that you have the extreme pleasure of 
seeing Southern pack up^his traps and leave.” 

Ancilla smiled, and replied : “You all know that 
Southern has a great many friends in the hotel, as well as 
out of it. That fellow, Horace Templeton, who arrived 
a few days ago from the East, is his bosom fiiend. He 
is a shrewed person, and will stand up for him to the 
last.’ ’ 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


109 


Ancilla DeMontes that morning had requested Sir Ed- 
win Eigby, who was at breakfast, to sign the paper that 
she placed before him. He took it up, and remained 
silent while glancing over it. At last he spoke up, say- 
ing: ^‘Mrs. DeMontes, it would afford me much pleasure 
to favor you in any manner that would be beneficial to 
you, and not injurious to the character of the party spoken 
of ; under the circumstances I cannot commit myself, by 
signing anything that I have no knowledge of. To do so 
would be doing an injustice in secret to my fellow man. I 
hold you in the highest esteem, and regard you as a lady, 
whom I respect; but I do not feel disposed to show favor 
and affection to any one; so you will, therefore, excuse 
me from taking any part in, or interfering in this matter 
whatever. It is as much (and more, sometimes,) as one 
can do to attend to their own business, and not meddle 
with that of others. As long as I have been a guest of 
this hotel, Mr. Southern, the manager, has acted the part 
of a gentleman, and has made it very agreeable and 
pleasant for me. Why, then, should I attempt to injure 
him, when he has never offended me in any way. You, 
also, have acted very friendly toward me, and have gained 
my sincere wishes for your welfare; and if there is any 
possible way of my acknowledging it, in an honorable 
manner, I shall gladly do so whenever the opportunity is 
afforded. You must be aware that Mr. Southern is a fine 
hotel man, and has good business tact about him ; since 
he has had charge of the Grand Pacific, he has done 
much for the owner thereof, by improving the trade, and 
is universally respected by nearly every one that he has had 
dealings with. The house is full of travelers nearly all 
the time, and I think Mr. Quimby put the right man in 
the right place. If I had any dislike for Mr. Southern, 
I would not be compelled to stop here; I would leave^at 
once, and move to other quarters. I must say, Mrs. De- 


110 


Al^CILLA BE MONTES, 


Montes, I think it decidedly wrong to undertake a course 
of this kind, as you are not obliged to remain here unless 
you choose. If Mr. Southern should discover the secret 
plottings going on against him he would cause serious 
trouble, and you might have to suffer well for it. He is 
well aware of the secret meetings being held in the parlor 
during the past week. Now, Mrs. DeMontes, what I 
have said has been in all kindness, and I hope you will 
take no offense : but 1 am firm in my opinion, and will 
have nothing to do with the matter, let it be good or evil. 
I am fully satified that all who sign this article do so 
through malice, and I, as a friend to both yourself and 
Mr. Southern, cannot advocate such a vile course, as I 
am confident that Mr. Southern will remain manager of 
the Grand Pacific in spite of the efforts put forth by your 
combined friends to have him removed, or rather bounced 
out. I think your intentions will prove a failure, and you 
should not attempt to do anything that you will regret 
hereafter. If he has in any way displeased you, and you 
bear malice toward him, you had better let the matter 
drop at once, as it will only stir him up. He is a deter- 
mined man, and will protect his own interest; and I can 
not call him a coward for doing so. He will not suffer 
any one to do him an injury, without getting square with 
them. My advice is, therefore, not to disturb him, or he 
will make it hot for you. ” 

Ancilla stood spell-bound during all this time. She 
did not for a moment expect that Sir Edwin Rigby would 
refuse to sign the paper he then held before him. But 
he was wise, and a gentleman of good, sound judgment, 
and he did not wish to be mixed up in such an unpleasant 
affair. The consequence was, that the links of friendship 
hitherto existing between Madame DeMontes and Sir Ed- 
win were severed, and it gradually died ^away like the 
autumn leaves. For some weeks afterward she showed 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


Ill 


plainly her dislike for Sir Edwin, because he would not 
engage in a plot that would ruin one for life, who by no 
means deserved such treatment. The fact of the matter 
was, that the three special admirers and friends of Ancilla 
DeMontes, as well as herself, were secretly doing, under 
cover of darkness, all in their power to do Luke Southern 
all the injury possible. They had failed in several at- 
tempts, but yet hoped to accomplish their designs by 
means that no lady nor gentleman would stoop to. 

Ancilla and the favorites, however, determined to battle 
it out to the end. However, theii’ plottings only amount- 
ed to their suffering defeat. 


CHAPTER XXIII. 

Ancilla DeMontes had formed a dislike for Mr. South- 
ern, which gradually grew worse and worse, and at last 
terminated in hatred. It is not necessary to go into the 
details, as it would be of little interest to the reader. All 
who peruse this little volume can probably see deep 
enough, and draw their own conclusions. We will say, 
however, that Ancilla DeMontes was a deep and shrewd 
woman, and was working hard, with the assistance of her 
three favorites, to carry out the plot concocted against 
one whom she denounced so shamefully; but it was noth- 
ing to her credit. She allowed prejudice to control her, 
until she became a burden to herself. Her three friends 
were doing all in their power to remove Southern. They 
even watched every opportunity to discover any little 
blunder that he might unfortunately make. It would 


112 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


give them joy. Their object was to get him out, in order 
to gratify the wishes of their adored Ancilla DeMontes, 
for they were becoming more attached to her every 
day (let it be honorable or otherwise), and she, for 
all their assistance in her behalf, would compliment 
them for their assistance, paying them off with smiles and 
tender words ; and by consoling them in this manner she- 
had won their devotion to such an extent that they 
pledged themselves to stand by her side through all tlio 
turmoil and storm that was now raging in its utmost fury; 
and during this dreadful gale the rudder of hope was 
broken, and she, with her fond followers, had given up 
all hopes of reaching the harbor in safetj^, and her ship 
of scandal, with only a small crew to man it, was drifting 
fast by the wind of falsehood; and onward it went on its 
beam ends, until it would strike heavy on the shoal and 
quicksand of destruction, and the rotten hulk of scandal 
would be a complete wreck, and Ancilla DeMontes and 
crew would never reach land, but perish miserably in the 
breakers of defeat and disappointment. 

When it became known to Mr. Southern that he had 
bitter, backbiting enemies, who appeared in his presence 
as friends, and those were the admirers o^* Ancilla De 
Montes, he at once resolved to watch their proceedings, 
without showing the slightest suspicion that he had de- 
tected any wrong-doing on their part; and it was on this 
memorable night that the discovery of their secret con- 
spiracy was made by favorable means, not necessary to 
mention. Mr. Southern had discovered all the evil work 
that was going on to render him helpless, in their estima- 
tion, by some very foul means. A circumstance had hap- 
pened in the house, which came near injuring the charac- 
ter of one who had nothing to do with the affair; but a 
timely discovery w^as made, to the effect that the favorites 
of Ancilla DeMontes had been the foul perpetrators of 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


113 


the deed. They had selected one of their number, a low 
character, to perform a certain thing, in view to carry out 
successfully their point, and by doing this it might prove 
fatal to Southern. But that gentleman was up to all such 
mysterious proceedings, and was too active and watchful 
to be entrapped by such vile means, and suffer for the 
outrageous doings of men, who, if the reader was ac- 
quainted with, would be surprised to find it the truth; but 
we will not yet expose them to the public, 'although they 
deserve it, and perhaps more. The plot was formed 
secretly, and on the eve of its success (as they alone 
thought) it proved to be a failure. The alarm had 
sounded ahead of time, and aroused the right one to shun 
all danger and be prepared for any emergency that might 
occur, and stand as a hero to defend himself against the 
human fiends who were anxious to crush his good name 
and destroy his character; but, for all this, they failed 
signally in their base designs, much to their chagrin and 
sorrow at finding their footing entirely gone, with their 
characters, and that their victim had escaped unscathed,, 
with fresh laurels added to his hitherto unblemished 
character. Yes, these malicious, slandering friends of 
the arch-plotter, Ancilla DeMontes, were almost heart- 
broken to find that all their schemes, so carefully pre- 
pared in secret, had been completely overthrown by one 
smart enough to detect it before their plans were executed 
to their satisfaction; but true the old saying is, ‘‘that 
matters will leak out and come to the surface. ” 

On several occasions they had met in the parlor (prev- 
ious to the events related above). After holding their 
secret meetings in the forepart of the night, they amused 
themselves by raising a hubbub, the balance laughing 
boisterously and talking aloud, much to the annoyance of 
the guests, who were unable to sleep on account of the 
racket kicked up regularly every night. It was not noticed 


114 


ANCILLA DE 3I0NTES, 


at first, but wlien it became a thing of nightly occurrence 
it was voted a perfect nuisance, and the guests decided to 
have it stopped. Consequently, a committee waited on 
the manager of the hotel, and entered complaints against 
Aucilla DeMontes and her friends, who regularly met in 
the parlor. The committee stated that the guests had 
decided to leave the house, unless the noise in the parlor 
was suppressed, as it was depriving them of their rest; 
whereupon the' manager determined to stop the annoyance, 
in order to promote the interest and welfare of the house, 
as well as to please those who were deserving of attention. 

During these night meetings in the parlor Ancilla would 
open the confab, assisted by her counsellor, old Squire 
Tattler; the protector, Mr. Paramour; and her right 
bower, Mr. Tangietongue, who was always ready to fol- 
low her instructions, let it be for good or evil, to 
the extreme. She had a powerful influence over them 
all that could not be resisted. They had become her 
three favorites, and she distinguished them from others, 
by playing her part well, for which she made herself 
famous during the portion of her life spent at the Grand 
Pacific. We will merely mention that the day was break- 
ing when an early riser at the hotel noticed Ancilla De 
Montes, Squire Tattler, Mr. Paramour, and Mr. Tangle- 
tongue emerge quickly from the parlor, and disappear in 
their respective rooms, having slept none that night, as 
was indicated by their swollen features and bloodshot 
eyes at the breakfast table. 

Liike Southern, although silent in all things, knew what 
was brewing, and felt satisfied how the aflair would end. 
He acted the part of a gentleman, in allowing matters to 
take their own course; yet he informed a friend, who had 
but recently arrived, of the plans he had adopted and in- 
tended to carry out. He knew the cause of the whole 
unpleasantness, and fully unde-rstood his position. He 


OE, ONE SUMMER, 


115 


was satisfied that malice was the cause of all the trouble. 
His friend encouraged him, and said he had not the 
slightest doubt that he would come well out of the diffi- 
oulty. 

But, ‘'all’s well that ends well;” and so it i^roved to 
Southern, after the ordeal he had suffered from the sneers 
and spitfire-tongues of Ancilla DeMontes and her friends. 


CHAPTEE XXIV. 

The next evening Templeton walked into Luke South- 
ern’s room, and finding him there asked, “ Are you going 
below ? I would, and by all means have the matter 
thoroughly investigated. I know you are right in acting, 
as your conscience dictates, in the honorable discharge of 
your duty. I am your friend, and want to see you 
righted. There is nothing I w^ould regret more than to 
see yoii wronged by the licentious friends of Ancilla De 
Montes. You know my regard for you. I say go down 
immediately, and lay before the informed party (Mr. 
Quimby) the correct facts of the matter, and although 
you have been cruelly wronged, ridiculed and scorned, 
nevertheless you wdll come out all right, and wdll return 
to Y. exonerated entirely. ” 

“Well, Templeton,” replied Luke, “I have made up 
my mind to go. I came to the conclusion this evening, 
xind shall at once make preparation for my journey. I 
shall leave by the early train in the morning. You’ll see 
me off, of course. It will leave at 5:30 precisely, so you 
will have to be up early. You know the old saying, ‘The 
early bird catches the worm ?’ ” 


116 


ANCILLA BE 3J0NTES, 


‘‘Oh, yes, Luke; but the worm has no business to be 
out. Of course I will see you off in the morning.” 

“Thanks, Horace; come to my room early. Conduc- 
tor Castle was here a few moments ago, and said they 
would leave on time, as what switching was to be done 
would be finished this evening. I will see that the night, 
watchman calls you in time.” 

“You will have a cold ride; nothing but empties, I 
believe, to carry you through. Can’t you get the fireman’s^ 
seat, or even share it with him, on the engine?” 

“ It would be more pleasant, of course; but I will take 
the empty for mine. You know I go to protect my own 
interest, as well as the reputation of the house, of which 
Mr. Quimby has put me in charge; and I go with a clear 
conscience, knowing that the enemies who have so bitterly 
denounced me to him will have to hunt their holes before 
long. I wish to put a stop to the false reports they have 
sent down (these admirers and worshippers of Ancilla). 
They did all they could to injure me, thinking to satisfy 
their lustful desires with De Montes. There’s old Squire 
Tattler, he never had any use for me, because Mr. Q. 
could not put the confidence in him that he did in myself. 
He would like to run the house himself, and because he 
could not do so he has put himself in sackcloth and ashes 
for a considerable length of periods. He was badly 
taken in by Madame DeMontes. She could barely keep 
him out of her sight. He is the one that sent down the 
reports, which he thinks will cause me to get bounced out 
of my position in this house. All right; he will have to 
manufacture more rawhides, etc., before he can accomplish 
what he wishes. On a plantation in the South (before 
the late unpleasantness), he might have drawn quite a 
good salary as task-master or overseer, whose duty it was 
at times to use a ‘ cat o’ nine ’ on the backs of the poor 
negroes.” 


OE, ONE SUMMER. 


117 


The next morning was a bitter cold, windy day (’twas 
in February) ; the thermometer standing 5 degrees below 
zero, and a deep snow lay upon the ground. 

‘‘Tills is a terrible cold day for a journey,” exclaimed 
Luke to Horace, as they were briskly walking, arm in 
arm, to the depot. 

“Yes, extremely so,” answered Horace. “I would 
prefer sitting at home near the fire than be traveling, at 
the mercy of the weather gods ! AVhat, if it should rain 
before you reach your destination?” 

“If so,” replied Luke, “I would likely get wet, and 
freeze to death in the bargain.” 

“ Had you not better postpone your trip till more fav- 
orable weather sets in ? Probably it will moderate a little 
before long.” 

“No, I will not back out. All persuasion for me to 
remain will be useless,” said Southern. 

By this time the two friends, for such they surely were, 
Iiad reached the depot. Their conversation ceased on 
that important subject and changed to this: “Horace, 
remember, when I am away, to see that business is trans- 
acted in the proper manner, ” said Luke. 

“Depend on me,” said Horace, “I will look after the 
interests of the Grand, as well as your own.” 

The shrill whistle of the locomotive rang out on the 
<3old morning air. The train slacked up for what pas- 
sengers were waiting. Luke bidding his friend Horace 
good-by, jumped on board, and shortly afterwards the 
train went thundering around the mountain side at a rapid 
speed. 

It is needless to state the particulars of his trip. We 
will merely mention that he suffered considerably during 
the ride. It was the second day after bidding his friend 
adieu that Luke Southern reached a certain provincial 
town, feeling hungry and completely worn out; but after 
having partaken of a good, square meal, felt pretty w^ell. 


118 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


On leaving the little cosmopolitan -town, it was rumored 
by many that Luke Southern had left the Grand Pacific 
forever. These false reports were circulated by those 
who were not the best friends of Luke’s, though they 
were admirers of Ancilla. The reader will hereafter see, 
and be convinced, that public opinion was entirely with 
Luke, as the sequel proved. 

Squire Tattler remarked to Ancilla, ‘‘We have the fel- 
low fixed now. He will never be back here again, you 
bet your life. ” 

Luke Southern, on reaching his destination, did not 
immediately see the party he was in search of, who was 
out of town. On the contrary, he was kept waiting for 
two weeks. (This caused the long absence of Luke from 
the Grand. ) The gentleman he was disappointed in meet- 
ing had gone to a distant city to witness the sparing- 
match betAveen the Slade-Sullivan combination of noted 
fistic professionals, and the Lee-Ootsford boat race. 

After Mr. Quimby (the gentleman Luke had so long 
been anxionsly looking for) had returned, a short inter- 
view took place, in which the facts of the case Avere openly 
and honestly laid before him. Luke was ordered back to 
the position he had so honorably filled, and, in addition, 
Avas given an increase that would be considered no small 
item to a novice; and the enemies, who had so maliciously 
maligned him, would for the future be held in utter con- 
tempt. 

On Southern’s return to Y. many were the friends that 
welcomed his return, and congratulations were offered 
from all, over the result of his trip. He receiA^ed hearty 
hand-shakes from nearly every one he met, with the old, 
familiar words, “We are glad, Luke, to see you back 
again in our midst,” exclaimed several; “ and more so to 
know you are still the manager of the Grand — much to 


OR, ONE SUMMER, 


119 


the misery of the three favorites of Ancilla De Montes, 
Squire Tattler, Mr. Tangletongue and Mr. Paramour. ” 
‘^Venividi vici !” exclaimed Luke; ‘^lam well satis- 
fied now, as the unpleasant matter is settled; and remem- 
ber, I am true to friends and square with the three 
enemies. 


CHAPTEPi XXV. 

Come, let us go up into the parlor,” said Mr. South- 
ern, the manager of the hotel, to a friend who was a 
guest of the house. ‘‘ I will do what I can to amuse you. 
I am in excellent spirits, and what I have to relate will, I 
think, prove interesting. ’Tis an account of a negro 
camp-meeting that I attended in the South . The de- 
scription will enliven us, I think.” 

The gentleman (Mr. Eudolph) was a member of a large 
firm in Montreal. He had but lately arrived, and, as usual, 
Mr. Southern wished to make it pleasant for him; and 
together they ascended the grand stairway of the hotel, 
and soon reached the parlor, which was found to be pretty 
well filled with guests, both ladies and gentlemen, who 
were seated about the room; all appeared to be enjoying 
themselves . 

Mr. Southern saw at a glance that neither Ancilla De 
Montes nor her three admirers were present, and felt some- 
what relieved, as he did not care to be in their company, 
and naturally he was glad that the parties assembled were 
his friends. Ancilla would very seldom visit the parlor. 


120 


AMILLA DE MONTES, 


unless one or more of the blessed three were present, 
Squire Tattler, her old beau, or the would-be flames, 
Tangletongue or Paramour. The old Squire’s mouth 
w’ould stretch from ear to ear, and a ghastly grin would 
completely cover his homely countenance, if she merely 
deigned to smile upon him. Sometimes she would be 
content to be alone with Mr. Paramour, who would wor- 
ship and idolize her; but Mr. Tangletongue was the solid 
man, however, but he carefully concealed this from the 
public, for fear it might cause serious trouble between 
the contending rivals. She knew how to play her part, 
and of course made much by it. ^ 

‘‘Mr. Southern, you promised me your experience at a 
camp-meeting in the South, ” said Mr. Kudolph, politely. 

“ Yes, do relate it,” exclaimed many. 

“ Well, ladies and gentlemen, I will do my best to in- 
terest you,” said Mr. Southern, “ and will impersonate 
the Southern darkey to the best of my ability. It was in 
1876, the year of the Centennial Exhibition in Philadel- 
phia. My father. Captain Wm. Southern, was in coin- 
mand of the steam tug Tredegar, of Norfolk, Virginia. 
The owners were wharf and bridge builders. Most of the 
time the tug was employed in towing timber to be used 
in constructing docks, etc. The timber consisted of 
cypress and oak, principally used for piling. The owners 
ordered the steamer out to the Koanoke river, in North 
Carolina, after a raft of spiles. We were to ascend the 
Boanoke as far as navigation would permit, and return 
with the timber in tow as soon as possible. The height 
of my ambition at that time was to be on a tug boat; so, 
accordingly, I went aboard and was placed on the list, 
after passing examination, as flrst mate. The duties of 
this office I knew very well how to fill, as my experience 
in the same line had been sufficient to teach me. 


OE, ONE SUMMER. 


121 


After the steamer coaled up and our stock of provis- 
ions was aboard, we steamed out of the harbor; after a 
safe trij) reached our destination the third day from de- 
parture, at 2 p. M. It was a bright September afternoon 
when we tied up the noble little steamer, at a point near 
by where a ferry crosses the stream. We expected to 
find the raft in readiness to hook on to and tow away; but 
were disappointed when we were told that all of the piling 
was not yet floated and cribbed up. Our captain, how- 
ever, sent a man to ascertain the cause of delay, and after 
an absence of a few hours, he returned and informed the 
captain that he would have to rest contented, with 
patience, until the raft was completed, which would be in 
the course of a few days. 

‘‘To be delayed in this place just suited me, for I then 
should have the opportunity of* going ashore and inspect- 
ing the country, which abounded in patches of water- 
melons, etc. Of course, it was to my interest to keep my 
eyes open for fear of bulldogs, bloodhounds, and other 
breeds of the canine race, so prolific in this section of 
the country. As it were, it behooved me to look after my 
behoovement. The day was sultry, the sun pouring down 
its scorching rays and blistering nearly everything. I 
called a couple of the crew and ordered the awning to be 
stretched overhead, as under a canvass we could have 
some protection from the heat of the sun. After a ham- 
mock was stretched. Captain Southern svTing himself into 
it and fell into a doze, but was soon awakened by shouts 
from the other side of the river. The calls were for the 
ferryman to cross over. Walking aft on the quarter deck 
I could plainly see a colored individual, with a numerous 
crowd around him, gesticulating wildly, and in every man- 
ner showing his anxiety to cross over. The ferr^inan 
crossing over brought back the party, consisting of 
negroes — some on foot, some in vehicles, and still others 


122 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


riding their horses. It was easily seen they were bound 
for a camp-meeting, to get salvation poured into their 
souls. On their way across the river a chorus of voices 
started up the old plantation piece, “Put John on the 
Island, wdien the Bridegroom comes,” etc. ‘ The render- 
ing of the piece was so good that I joined my voice with 
theirs, which caused them to look over to where I stood, 
with wonder and astonishment. They were landed safely 
on this side, paid the ferryman his toll, jumped into their 
wagons, those that could ride, and others set out to walk. 
I watched the whole proceedings with interest, until the 
happy Nigs disappeared from sight up the long avenue of 
cedars that lined each side of the road for some distance. 
The old ferryman, an old gentleman, stepped on board 
and shook hands with the Captain, whose acquaintance he 
had made some years before. A friendly chat ensued. 
The old gentleman said that a big camp meeting was in 
full blast about three miles in the country, and during the 
past Tveek many of the darkies had been made happy at 
the mourner’s bench, and it was well worth our time going 
out to see them. The Captain gave us leave of absence, 
and myself and two others employed on the steamer 
agreed to go. We left the old ferryman and the Captain 
conversing together, and set out on foot for the camp 
gTOund. The road was dry and dusty and weather very 
warm, and before we reached the camp ground our clothes 
looked as though we had been through a flour mill, we 
were so completely enveloped in dust. We met an old 
darkey on the road, and asked for information in regard 
to our destination. He informed us that the camp-meet- 
ing grounds were three miles ahead, on the road we were 
traveling. W"e had already come two miles, but, after 
thanking the old darkey, started out anxious to reach our 
destination. To say that we were a merry crowed w^ould 
not express it. The stories that were told and the songs 


on, ONE SUMMER. 


12 ^ 


that were sang gave proof as to our happiness. We soon 
reached the grounds, which were located in a pleasant 
spot in the depths of the forest, but a short distance from 
the county road. In the midst of this forest was an open- 
ing, which had probably been made by workers years^ 
before. It was a beautiful spot, and one well suited for 
the occasion, being surrounded with oaks, hickorys, and 
the fragrant magnolia threw their perfume around. Judg- 
ing from the great number already assembled, and the 
crowds that were flocking in, the supposition would be 
that all the darkeys in the country were about to engage 
in this great wrestling match, as it were. The services 
had not yet begun; therefore my friend and myself strolled 
around the grounds to see what there was to be seen. We 
halted in front of one of the boarding tents, and seated 
ourselves on a long bench, and called for refreshments, 
from old Aunty Chloe (the negress who kejDt the place). 
We got away with two or three watermelons and drank 
considerable lemonade. Among other interesting affairs 
was one of which I will speak. A young darkey and his 
girl were promenading around the grounds, putting on 
considerable dog. Arm in arm together they went up and 
down. Unable to contain myself longer, I asked Aunty 
who they were ? 

She kindly replied, saying, 'Why, bless your soul,, 
honey, they’s a couple just married last week; dat’s Billy 
Pringle and Sally Spunker; deys on dare weddin’ journey, 
and stopped here to flnish their honeymoon.’ 

“I will give you, as near as possible, a description of 
a black swell (a charcoal stroke would have made a white 
mark on his face). He wore a beltezer hat, and had on 
a black coat, which was so loose in the back that it would 
have fitted him better if he had taken a double reef in it. 
He stood about six feet two in his shoes, Avhich were 
about No. 13, and perhaps the leavings of the hides used 


124 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


in making them was put into a rawhide to put on the 
back of the poor Southern — by the way, it never reached 
there, but can be seen at any time in the grand saloon of 
the Pacific. In person he was slender, and somewhat re- 
sembled a cornstalk. His pants were so tight that his 
sufferings must have been intense, on account of the non- 
circulation of the blood; but his appearance did not indi- 
cate anything of the kind; on the contrary, he seemed 
happy, promenading around the circle with his bride. Of 
course, we must give a descrijition of the dusky maiden 
as well as the black swell. She was beautiful, as the say- 
ing is; all brides are. Her white satin dress, trimmed 
with gaudy ribbons, the colors of the rainbow' being dis- 
played to advantage. In person she w'as short, but in 
circumference a pork barrel w'as nowdiere. She w^ould tip 
the beam at 250. She w^ore high-heeled boots, and in her 
hat was an ostrich feather that w^ould have graced a Fifth 
Avenue belle. 

‘‘I was quite taken in at the contrast between the lov- 
ing couple, wdio had been strutting around the promenade 
circle as proud and gay as peacocks. One of my chums, 
who had stood watching their perambulation, was bent on 
mischief, and put a few rinds of watermelon in their 
w^ake, that caused Mr. Dude and Miss Dudee to come 
together in a shocking manner, and before either had time 
to think whether it was proper or not. He looked around, 
raving mad, and made for my chum ; but through the in- 
terference of a friend (one of the guests of the Grand 
Pacific), the matter was fixed up without injury to either 
party, although he w'ent off in a rage, swearing vengeance 
against any wdiite man that would treat him so ; after 
wdiich himself andjady crossed the grounds, and seated 
themselves where they would be away from insults, but 
now and then they cast glances our w'ay, indicating ani- 
mosity by the wholesale. 


OB, ONE 8UMMEB. 


125 


We shortly afterward took seats in the rear of the 
congregation, where, by the aid of the glass I carried with 
me, and used on occasions of this kind, I was enabled to 
see what was what. Shortly after being seated, the grand 
Mogul took his seat. The preacher came walking up the 
isle, leaning on his cane. The reverend gentleman was a 
man of about three score years, with a head that was 
snowy white. As he went along he would smile, and 
many of the audience would bow in return. He at last 
ascended the steps that led to the pulpit; reaching it he 
opened the book divine, and read aloud therefrom a pas- 
sage from the New Testament; and after a few remarks on 
the value of religion, requested one of the colored brethren 
to lead the assembly in prayer. This was followed by the 
aged preacher introducing a sermon . The following is 
as true an essence of the same as I can now recollect : 

“ ‘ Dear brothers and sisters, who am here gathered in 
the cause of our blessed Saviour, and by the will and 
power of de great and good God, who created both de 
man an’ de beast, de bird dat flies in de air an’ de flsh dat 
swims in de sea . It am to him dat we are here collected 
togedder, to lift up our poor an’ feeble thoughts, which 
am all we have, togedder wid our body an’ soul, which 
we will give to the cause of our blessed Jesus. There 
are none of us in this vast assembly that can tell when 
God’s great and trusty servant, Gabriel, will blow de 
trumpet, and it am den dat we will journey down to de 
edge of de rough waters. It am dere we will find de 
boats God has made for us, and it will be in de middle of 
de day; but all of a sudden Gabriel will toot a mighty blast 
of de trumpet, and de clouds will begin to roll, an’ de 
shadow of darkness will be spread over all de w’orld. 
When de clouds again will open, an’ de storms will arise, 
de lightning will flash an’ de thunder will roll. The hail 
stones will fall like leaden balls, and bruise an’ drench 


126 


ASCILLA DE MOXTES, 


our poor bodies; and, behold ! those of us dat am poor 
in de faith of our blessed Lord vrill run an’ try to hide 
an’ get under cover; but den de good Lord will speak an’ 
say, ‘ Here am de boats on de shore of de rough waters, 
an’ my blessed son Jesus am de rudder an’ I am de sail. 
Climb in my bosom and I will bear you over de rough 
waters of Jordan and land you safe on dat bright and 
golden shore, and den we will all cry out aloud — (The 
preacher hums the following to the audience :) 

“ Here vre come Lord, hallelujahl 

Hallelujah! Glory to de God on high! 

We heard you call, an’ am glad we came. 

And wiU live here till we di?.” 

“ ‘ Yes, it am then we will see more of God’s great and 
wonderful power, for we will become as birds in de air. 
Y e will have bright and silvery wings, and will fly all 
through de garden of Eden and all around de bright and 
promised land, and de trials and de worry, and de kicks 
of de wicked world will trouble us no more. Y^e will 
then be at rest in the arms of our blessed Jesus; and I 
tell you what it is, you’se got to have the love ob de Lord 
in your hearts, and sit your foot down square on de foun- 
dation of de Gospel, and tight n around your loins the 
girdle ob de Lord, and wave high in de air the banner ob 
de Saviour; and let the people see by de way you are walk- 
ing through de world dat you am enlisted in de army ob 
Jesus, and your victorious weapon am de Bible. Now, 
children ob dis here flock, I want you, by the help ob 
God, to wash your sinful hearts in the redeeming power 
ob Jesus. Once more, children, let me tell you, if you 
don’ t do what I told you, the devil will lay his sinful and 
rebellious hand tight on you and will drag you down to 
de bottom pit of hell, and de flery furnace will be blazing 
high, and de smell ob de brimstone and de ciarkness and 


OB, ONE SUMMEB, 


127 


de way of de debbil and liis angels Avill clog de blood in 
your veins ; and dey will pierce your poor bodies with hot 
irons, and make you walk on de red hot floor ob de heated 
cells. Now, children, dis wont be for a short time, but 
will be forever and ever. You will have no water to 
drink when you are dry, and no bread to eat when you 
are hungry, and you will have no place to rest, but will 
be in dis flx all de time. Oh ! children, dis am awful to 
think of; but it is what de great King of Glory rote in his 
book, and it am true as am de day and is de night. So 
it am for you, one and all, to say wedder you will take 
Jesus by de hand, when he now offers it to you, and go 
with him to the bright, rich, and glorious sunny land, 
which am filled with flowers wfliose sweet fragrance am 
always in de air; an recollect, children, dere am no dark- 
ness or night there; dar am no storms or trials dere, but 
de rainbow of hope always spans de promised land. In 
de center sits de great King, de Lord Jesus, on his 
throne; and then you will be with the angels a flying 
about and singing Hallelujah to de Lord on high. You 
will have all you want to drink when you are thirsty, an ’ 
all you want to eat when you are hungry, and will have 
all de rest you want, an’ will be safe and happy forever. 
Only think, children, forever and^ ever. Now, children, 
you dat have got walking in de darkness, down de hill to 
de home of de devil, oh ! I tell you, turn about and get 
your eye fixed on that star dat shines out so bright from 
heaven, and lights up the path which leads to that ever- 
lasting and golden home, dat has been prepared for dem 
dat accept J esus . Children, now after we sing ‘ Praise to 
de Lord !’ I want you to go from dis place, remembering 
de trufe dat I hab tole you, and may de Lord, with his 
mighty grace, wrap you up in his garments and bar you 
safely to his home, where you will be happy forever and 
ever more. Amen. ’ ” 


128 


ANCILLA BE MONTES, 


CHAPTER XXVI. 

‘Now, bmdders and sisters, let us sing two verses of 
dat good, old hymn, ‘ Yes, I’ll fly away;’ and every one, 
both big and little, join in de chorus : 

“ 1st — Ob, dere you’ll bear that sinner man a wailing, 

Yes, a wailing; 

Ob, dar you’ll bear dat sinner man a wailing. 

On dat great day.” 

“ Preacher — ‘ Look a here, now; I want yer all to stand 
up off yer seats, and lift your voices and join loud in de 
chorus. You hear me now. Now, one and all sing out: 

“ Chorus — Ob, den we will take up de wings ob de mornin’ 

And fly away; 

Yes, take up de wings ob de mornin’ 

And fly clean away borne.” 

“ 2d — Ob, den you’ll bear dat righteous man 

A shoutin’, yes, a shoutin’, hallelujah! 

Ob, yes, you'll bear dat righteous man 
A shouting on that great day. 

“ Chorus — Ob, den we will, etc.” 

“ The colored preacher extended an invitation to the 
audience to briefly relate their religious experience. The 
following is a just example of Uncle Moses’ experience: 

“ ‘Dear brudders and sisters — My heart beats high and 
my blood runs quick, and my soul is saved, for I dare to 
face de world and de debbil and stan’ up for Jesus. I 
was away down in de mud, and de debbil was pushing me 
still furder, and I happened to look up ; and when I looked 
up de debbil was gone; and before I looked up, and 
when I was down in de mud, de debbil was a whisperin’ 
in my ear to keep on a wading through de mud an’ he 
would fix'me bime-bye. Well, I kept on a wading, but I 


OR, ONE SUMMER, 


129 


was sinking deeper and a deeper; and glory be to de 
Lord, for a whispering in my ear, and lie seemed to say, 
^Look up, child! look up here!’ and once more, hallelu- 
jah! I looked up, and there stood my Saviour, all clothed 
in spotless white, and he had his hand stretched out to 
me and says, ‘ Come Avith me, ’ and he pointed up to 
heaven, saying, ^ Come along, and I Avill clean and Avash 
you, and clothe you in sinless Avhite !’ And, brudders 
and sisters, I came; and here I am to-night, Avashed in de 
blood ob de Lamb, and I am Avilling to face de Avhole 
Avorld and declar war against de debbil and his angels. I 
has seen many hard days Avhile I was a going through de 
Avorld hand in hand Avid de debbil; I was a Avalking 
through de mud and a tumbling doAvn de hills, and a 
bruising my body, and I Avas sore-footed all de time. I 
Avas ragged, and I naver had no rest, and de load ob sin 
Avas tied tight on my back; but Jesus, my Saviour and my 
God, unstrap de load ob sin and flung it from me; noAv I 
am easy, I ahvays feel rested, and have de armor of de 
Lord strapped about me, and de poAver of faith to over- 
come and drive the devil from me. Sisters and brudders, 
I ask you for to pray for me, and I Avill do the same Avay 
exactly for you all. Now, when I go home to-night, I do 
not fear de debbil, nor de muddy road ob sin, nor de 
sharp rocks a hurting my feet. I am now safe in de arms 
of de Lord, and I’m gwine to stay dar. Pray for me to 
help keep de debbil at his home. My advice to those dat 
don’t know what it is to be happy all de time, is to come 
and go long wid me and walk along toward de promised 
Land, Avhere I hope to meet you all when death lays hi^ 
cold fingers on me and says, ‘I want your body,’ and 
Jesus says to my spirit, ‘ Come home and rest forebber 
more/ Amen,’ 

‘^Then comes a low chorus of A^oices in the audience, 
in a half sing-song maimer; CBress de Lord! Glpry! I 


130 


ANGILLA DE MONTES, 


am coming dat way, brudder ! Yes, Ave Avill be dar. 
Hallelujah! Amen. My soul is a rolling! Good Lord 
Jesus, my SaAuour, ’ etc., etc. 

“ The following is Aunt Libbey’s experience: 

“ ‘Sisters and brudders : I come here to-night with my 
heart heavy and filled Avith trouble. Trials and tribula- 
tions has caused me think Avhat in de Avorld could I do to 
make my heart light again, as it were Avhen I Avas a child; 
but every day seems to be getting Avorse and worse, and 
de shadders ob de Avorld’s Avays Avere hanging o’er me, and 
a fog of sin Avere so thick that I could not see through it 
for to see de light. I kept on a looking just de same for 
to see through it, hut nary see ; and I AA^as right on de edge 
ob giving up when something seemed to say, ‘Aunt 
Libby, look heah, at me !’ I tried to see Avhere dat voice 
come from, but I could see nothing; yet, at the same 
time, I could hear it; but all of a suddint something 
seemed to throw my head back, and Avhen my head Avas 
back I open my eyes Avide, and dar I Avas looking up 
straight into de sky, and I saw a big street dat Avas paved 
Avid gold, and coming doAvn de street was Jesus, dressed in 
Avhite, and he had a croAvn ob gold on his head instead af 
dose cruel thorns, and he said, ‘Aunt Libby, you have been 
a long Avhile trying to see through de fog;’ and he said, 
‘ Here, take dis Avhite gOAvn and put it on, and throw your 
sinful garments away.’ I done it, and my heart Avas 
light; my eyes were open and de fog was gone, and I 
begin to sing and for to shout, and Jesus Avas a leading 
me on toward de bright and happy land. * 1 am getting 
old and I have seen a heap of dis hear world, and I feel 
ready to go home forever more to de home ob Jesus, 
Avhere my angel childers is, to sing de praises ob de Lord 
forebber. Oh, dear sisters and brudders, if you all had 
the love of the Lord in your hearts, as I have got it here 
to-night, joii'd feel like flying aAvay; yes, and a flying up 


on, ONE 8VMMER. 


131 


yonder, up in de sky, a floating around through de clouds 
and down by the cool, flowing creeks, eating of de honey 
and drinking ob de milk. I feel de glory ob de Lord in 
my heart, and it’s swelling and a puffin’ it out until it 
seems almost aready to bust. Now, sisters and brudders, 
grab on to de faith ob de Lord ; take it wid you down in 
de cotton flelds, take it in de swamp, take it in de kitchen, 
take it in de meadows, and take it wherever you go; and 
take de faith ob de Lord wid you all de time. It made 
me happy when I was unhappy, and when I was tried it 
gave me rest. Ise got religion planted in my heart, and 
am going to keep it dar; and when de judgment day come 
I know I will be able to climb up Jacob’s ladder, and for 
to give de right knock at de gate for to git into heben. 
Pray for me, so I can continue to be faithful until I meet 
you all in heaven. Amen.’ 

Next comes the closing scene before the benediction. 

** Oh! it is a hard road to git ober sure, 

Sometimes you walk along, creep along, 

Koll along, crawl along, run along. 

Hop along; sometimes you don’t get 
Along at all; but keep on agoing 
And you’ll get there bye and bye! ” 

After several specimens like the above songs, experi- 
ences, etc., the benediction was delivered by the preacher 
as follows: 

‘‘ May de spirit and de eber good lub ob Jesus and his 
father and de communion ob de Holy Ghost go and be 
wid you at all times and in all places. Amen! ” 

After Mr. Southern had finished his lengthy description 
of a negro camp meeting in the South, many were the 
compliments he received from the ladies and gentlemen 
present, who had listened attentively all the time. Not a 
sound was heard during the recital with the exception of, 
now and then, bursts of laughter, which convulsed the 


132 


AmiLLA DE MONTES, 


party at the witty and humorous sayings of Mr. Southern, 
which were considered a great success by all. Mr. Southern 
then politely bowed and took a seat on the sofa. Mr. 
liudolph arose and made a few complimentary remarks in 
behalf of Mr. Southern, as a negro impersonator and then 
took his seat, after stopping a servant who was passing the 
room, to order champagne for the entire party at his 
expense. We will only make a mere mention that the 
guests of the hotel had a jolly time, and it was at a late 
hour the jiarty broke up and retired for the night. 


OR, ONE SUMMER. 


133 


CHAPTEE XXVII. 

The Grand Pacific Hotel under the management of Mr. 
Southern still reigns triumphant. 

Ancilla De Montes and her three favorites had met in 
tlie parlor for the last time to come to a final decision. 
They had failed in their attempt to overthrow the master 
of the house, and they did not feel any longer at home 
there. They had been defeated in all their plans to get 
full possession of the place. They alone wished Mr. 
Southern to be removed, and Mr. Sails was their chosen 
man whom they expected to occupy the position made 
vacant by his (Luke) being ousted, as he would no doubt 
have lowered himself to gratify their wishes, whatever 
they might be. The three intimate friends of Ancilla 
De Montis proposed that slie leave the hotel and occupy 
the position of mistress of a neat little cottage they had 
rented, which is known as the Combination, limited. 
With a little persuasion she consented to leave and occupy 
the position offered. They informed her that it would be 
a home for her so long as she wished to consider it such. 
Accordingly, she left the hotel that had sheltered her for 
two long winters — where she had been taken in a stranger 
and in trouble, deserted by husband and friends. It was 
at this time she left the hotel to become mistress of the 
Combination Cottage, limited, Avhich was occupied by her 
favorites, all of Avhom were batchelors. They worshiped 
her however, as if she had been the Goddess of Beauty. 
In closing, we will state that Mr. Southern was pleased 
when the friends of mischief left the hotel. 


134 


ANCILLA DE MONTES, 


The Theatre Hall was fairly filled. The play, a comic 
one took well with most of those present. The music of 
the orchestra was excellent. The Grand Hotel party, as 
"^well as Ancilla De Montes, with her boarders from the 
Combination, limited, were all present. Dick Darrell, 
who, by the way was an actor of no mean order, graced 
the boards that evening and was loundly applauded by all. 
He handled his part with the tact and gTacefulness of an 
experienced actor. It is not necessary to itemize the 
programme, one accustomed to the opera or theatre would 
not thank us for a description. Suffice it to say, the toilet 
of the ladies, as is generally the case on occasions of this 
kind, were charming. At eleven o’clock the entertainment 
closed. Every one felt like going home and retiring to 
rest. The night was dark and heavy; a slight drizzling 
rain having set in. 

We must now draw the threads of our story more 
closely together. Lady Primrose left for a distant state 
of the Union, and was followed, it is said, by the Marquis, 
who fell deeply in love with her at the Grand. Mr. and 
Mrs. Carew are enjoying society at Monterey. They have 
appartments at the Hotel Del Monte. Mr. Templeton, 
when last heard from, was at Long Branch; but news was 
received lately that he was wintering at Montreal, in 
Canada. Mr. Clifton was reported as being at Portland, 
Oregon, and Mr. St. Barbe had settled in Victoria, British 
Columbia, ajid was to go into business the coming spring 
with Mr. Templeton, who was expected from the East 
about that time. The Scribe, with Leggins and Grub- 
shanks, Sails with the indispensable Rudder, still remain 
in the same place, and probably always will. Nothing 
was heard of Bulstrode after he left, but it is thought he 
left for the Sandwich Islands. It is also rumored that 
Southern will go East with Templeton, to remain away 
several months. They will visit Chicago, St. Louis, New 


OB, ONE SUMMER. 


135 


York, Eichmond, Nashville, and go as far south as Florida. 
It is also said that Southern will return with a better half, 
and I’m sure ’twill be the making of him. He is a 
thorough gentlemen, though a little inclined to fastness, 
but the tender influence of a wife will regulate all that. 
Ancilla De Montes is, as usual, dissatisfled with the world 
and the people. She now takes no interest in anything 
whatever. She is dissapointed with her husband, who is 
a worthless kind of a fellow, of no use to himself and 
still less to others. 

The Tattler, Protector Paramour, and Tangletongue, 
still hang out at the Combination, limited, over which 
presides a new mistress. The Sails got entangled with 
the Eudder, and the consequence was a marriage a short 
time afterwards. 

Kind reader, possibly we may again aj)pear before you 
next summer with another history of the seaside and 
summer resorts in the mountains. AVe hope you have 
enjoyed the perusal of Ancilla De Montes and trust to 
meet you again in this world, if not, in that Avhich is to 
come. 



THE END. 



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